Friday, March 14, 2008

USS Jefferson City Returns Home

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chelsea J. Kennedy, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific
Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Jefferson City (SSN 759) returns to homeport in Point Loma, Calif., after a six-month Western Pacific deployment. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Cale Bentley (Released)

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Jefferson City (SSN 759) returned home to Naval Base Point Loma, March 10, after a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific.

The submarine conducted a number of missions throughout the Western Pacific region. Sailors also enjoyed port visits to Yokosuka and Sasebo, Japan, Guam and Saipan.

"It's great to be home; everyone is really excited," said Cmdr. John Zimmerman, Jefferson City commanding officer. "The guys have worked really hard the last six months. Nothing beats coming back to San Diego and being with our families."

Zimmerman added that the crew experienced many challenges, including navigating through a hurricane, but the well-trained crew succeeded in every mission.

There was a large crowd of friends and family waving flags and holding signs to greet their Sailors marching down the pier in formation.

"It's hard. There are days that you want to cry," said the wife of Sonar Technician (Submarine) 3rd Class (SS) Francisco Munoz. "What he's doing is amazing. I don't know very many people that have the courage to actually go out there and do things like this."