A group of six Marines from the Wounded Warrior Detachment Hawaii (WW DET HI) Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay visited the Virginia-class submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776) to get a first-hand look at basic submarine operations, Oct 18 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
The visit included a tour of the submarine’s control and sonar spaces, torpedo room and mess decks. Crew members of Hawaii explained and demonstrated the daily functions and responsibilities of a submariner while underway.
“It is truly a great pleasure having these Marines visit our submarine and see how the submarine side of the Navy operates,” said Cmdr Steven Mack , commanding officer, USS Hawaii. “I know my crew enjoyed showing them how we operate at sea and we look forward to their future visits.”
For one of the guests, Cpl. Christopher Hanson, this was his first time on a submarine.
“This tour was a great learning experience for me,” said Hanson. “I never realized how much advanced technology these submarines have and the war-fighting capabilities are amazing. I cannot wait to come back and visit again.”
Cmdr. Steven Jensen , retired Navy chaplain volunteering full time with the WW DET HI organized the tour.
“ I am in hopes we will be able to build a relationship with USS Hawaii and share special events as we get to know and appreciate each other’s contribution to securing the safety of our nation,” said Jensen.
The mission of WW DET HI is to ensure the well-being of all attached wounded, injured and ill Marines and Fleet Marine Force Sailors. According to Jensen, the center cares for an average of 43 wounded, injured and ill at any given time with the majority suffering minor injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder plus traumatic brain injuries from improvised explosive devises in Afghanistan. They also provide medical tracking and advocacy, admin and logistics, family support and personal/professional development in order to facilitate a return to full duty or a successful civilian transition.
[mappress] Source: navy, October 20, 2011