Stars and Stripes reports that the USS Kitty Hawk's expected return to home port in Japan has families and friends excited.
It doesn't matter when, as long as it's soon. As news of the USS Kitty Hawk's impending departure from the Persian Gulf spread across its home port of Yokosuka Naval Base this weekend, excited families and friends began making plans for the crew's raucous welcome home. The USS Cowpens and USS John S. McCain also have orders to return to Yokosuka. The return trip could take anywhere from two weeks to more than a month, officials have said.For families in Japan, it can't be soon enough.
The news of the Kitty Hawk's impending return spread in classic Navy-base fashion. As media reports hinted two carrier groups could soon be on their way home, excited Kitty Hawk spouses spread the word via e-mails, phone calls and backyard chats. By Monday morning, most families had heard the news, though military officials were hesitant to confirm it.
Yokosuka Navy officials said they have not planned the homecoming party yet, but it would surely be an event. After returning from recent routine deployments, the ship has been greeted by purposefully understated welcomes and even Japanese protesters outside the gate. The news also was welcomed at Atsugi Naval Air Facility, where the carrier’s air wing is stationed.
Posted by Alan at April 16, 2003 12:30 PM