Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Hight
by Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs Office
Pearl Harbor USS Hawaii (SSN-776), the first Virginiaclass submarine to be home-ported in the Pacific, arrived July 23, 2009, to a warm, local-style welcome at the submarine piers of Naval Station Pearl Harbor that reflected Hawaii’s diverse cultural heritage. The state’s namesake submarine made Hawaii its home during the 50th anniversary of statehood commemoration activities. More than two hundred people took advantage of the opportunity to view Hawaii from the Ford Island seaplane ramp as the submarine sailed into Pearl Harbor, while many more lined the banks of the Naval Station near Hospital Point and along Hickam Air Force Base. The guest of honor was the ship’s sponsor, Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle. She briefly boarded Hawaii via a small boat prior to the ceremony, greeted the crew, and raised the Hawaii state flag aboard the namesake submarine. At the Sierra 9 pier, next to Submarine Force Pacific headquarters, family members of the crew and invited guests enjoyed the ceremony preceding the arrival. The Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Mark Logico
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