Sub Returns From Final Mission
U.S.S. Philadelphia docks in Groton
US Navy
Sailors from Naval Submarine Base New London give three cheers to congratulate USS Philadelphia on a successful final deployment. Philadelphia conducted operations vital to national security in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
A cheering crowd greeted the U.S.S. Philadelphia in Groton as it returned home from its final deployment.
The sub entered its home port and docked just after two o'clock Wednesday afternoon.
With a Naval band playing nearby, Deronte Mann, Sonar Technician Second Class, ran towards his wife Moneeka for the traditional first kiss. "I don't have the words. I'm just happy to be back here," he said.
Then, two sailors who became fathers during the mission greeted their wives and held their sons for the first time.
"It was hard, but it was easier because I knew she was here taking care of him," said Lieut. Joseph DeCicco, who's son Noah is now four months old.
"Unbelievable," said Nicholas Harr, Electronics Technician First Class, while holding his son Alexander.
They were part of the U.S.S. Philadelphia's last crew. The sub was built by Electric Boat in Connecticut. It was commissioned in 1977 and spent 33 years in service.
"The keel was laid in 1972 when I was four years old and I'd say ninety percent of the crew wasn't even born when this submarine was built," said Cmdr. John Spencer, the Commanding Officer of the submarine. "Of course, it's been part of the Groton community the entire time, so it's a tremendous honor."
During its years of service, the U.S.S. Philadelphia has been deployed all over the world, including Desert Storm in 1991.
"The hundreds and hundreds of men that served on this submarine, it's great to be part of it," said Spencer.
The U.S.S. Philadelphia is scheduled to be decommissioned later this year.
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