Home from the Deep Blue Sea!

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (August 28, 2007) -- Sailors aboard Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Key West (SSN 722) man the bridge while pulling into the pier at Naval Station Pearl Harbor. Key West returned to her homeport after successfully completing a seven-month deployment to the Western Pacific promoting international relations and supporting the Global War on Terrorism. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Hight.

Pearl Harbor (NNS) (August 29, 2007) -- Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Key West (SSN 722) returned to its homeport of Pearl Harbor on August 28th, following a seven-month deployment to the Western Pacific.

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (August 28, 2007) -- Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Key West (SSN 722) pulls alongside the pier as she returns to Naval Station Pearl Harbor. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Hight.

The Key West left Pearl Harbor in January to support U.S. commitments in the Western Pacific and to strengthen foreign U.S. relations.

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (August 28, 2007) -- Sailors aboard Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Key West (SSN 722) conduct mooring operations after pulling into Naval Station Pearl Harbor. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Hight.

“It is overwhelming to be home,” said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class David Quintero after receiving the ceremonial first kiss. “There are so many emotions and so much joy.”

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (August 28, 2007) -- Culinary Specialist 3rd Class David Quintero greets his wife with the ceremonial first kiss as Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Key West (SSN 722) returns home. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Hight.

Commander Thomas Ishee, Key West’s commanding officer, said the deployment was a great success because of the pride and professionalism of the crew.

“They did a fantastic job,” he said. “They are the finest crew that I have had the pleasure of serving with.”

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (August 28, 2007) -- Commander Thomas Ishee, commanding officer of Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Key West (SSN 722), is greeted with hugs from his daughters after returning home. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Hight.

In addition to producing four new chief petty officers and 35 submarine warfare specialists, Key West conducted multiple community relations in Japan and Hong Kong and participated in six national and theater-specific operations.

Story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Hight
USS Key West Public Affairs

 

Mom's Note: He's home! He's home! Mom's favorite Sailor is back from the Deep Blue Sea!!

Thank God!!

 

Key West Returns from Deployment