SSN-21 Seawolf Crew Has Much to be Thankful For

Since 07-15-04

From NSL UPDATE 12-12-2003

By Journalist Seaman Tim Prunyi, Commander, Navy Region Northeast Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- The crew of USS Seawolf (SSN 21) and their families celebrated Thanksgiving a day early, as Seawolf returned home from a regularly scheduled deployment to the Atlantic Ocean and European Theater. Children looked on with binoculars, waiting for the first glimpse of Seawolf, as Johnny Phynn, the Morale, Welfare and Recreation dolphin, danced in celebration of his shipmates' return.

Machinist's Mate Fireman Apprentice Michael Palmertree, the man inside the Johnny Phynn suit, was especially excited to see Seawolf return from deployment. He was assigned to the boat after completing his training at U.S. Naval Submarine School (NAVSUBSCOL) while Seawolf was still at sea. Palmertree said he was "thankful for a chance to actually get on the Seawolf."

Seawolf's commanding officer, Cmdr. Paul T. Stevens, thanked his crew for all their work on the deployment. "This is my first command, and the crew is fantastic," said Stevens. "They've exceeded all of my expectations. They rose to every challenge."

Stevens said he was excited to be home with his family. "You get all choked up...I'm glad to make it home." His wife, Karen, said, "we were absolutely looking forward to him coming back. We've got a big banner over the front door welcoming him back. I even made his favorite dinner - beef stroganoff." Stevens hasn't eaten his wife's beef stroganoff since Seawolf departed Naval Submarine Base (SUBASE) New London May 27.

The 134-member crew had to make sacrifices to conduct operations in support of the global war on terrorism and national interests. However, in true Navy fashion, the voyage provided the Sailors with an opportunity to see the world. They visited Tromso and Haakonsvern, Norway, and Faslane, Scotland, participating in exercises with the Norwegian Navy and the Royal Navy.

Rear Adm. P. Steven Stanley, commander, Submarine Group 8 said Seawolf "performed with the highest distinction, met every challenge and contributed immeasurably to our nation's strategy across the entire spectrum of submarine operations."

All of the families were proud of their submariners' achievements during the deployment, but even happier to have their loved ones back home for Thanksgiving. Carol Fronek, wife of Machinist's Mate 2nd Class (SS) John Fronek, said, "It feels very, very, very good to have him back."

Emma Reed, niece of Master Chief Electronics Technician (SS) Kenneth Reed said, "I haven't seen uncle Kenny in a year. He doesn't know we all came from Baltimore to see him come back and to have Thanksgiving together." This is a time for celebration, but Stevens points out that the crew of Seawolf must remain ever vigilant. "We've still got to focus on the job. We're home, and that's great, but our mission goes on," he said.