Portsmouth Naval Shipyard hosted a plaque hanging ceremony for USS Miami (SSN 755), recognizing the official start of Miami’s engineered overhaul in Kittery March 28.
In this time-honored tradition, the ship’s Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Roger Meyer joined Shipyard Commander, Capt. Bryant Fuller , Miami Project Superintendent, Scott Kimmel , and Sanford Town Councilman Joesph Hanslip in hanging the ship’s plaque in the shipyard’s historic Tirante Tavern.
Numerous local representatives from the ship’s host community of Sanford, Maine, were on hand to welcome the Miami crew. The shipyard’s host community program partners a local Seacoast community with a submarine for the duration of the time the ship is at the shipyard. The residents welcome the officers, crew, and families of the ship and include them as part of their community.
“We weren’t really sure what to expect, but the Sanford community greatly welcomed us with open arms,” said Miami’s Chief of the Boat, Master Chief Electronics Technician (SS) Ed Durrua.
The submarine crew enjoys the area’s hospitality and in return, the locals get the opportunity to learn about the Navy’s submarine force while introducing the Sailors and their families to the many treasures found in New England.
“The whole welcoming and plaquing ceremony was an awesome experience and a true honor to be a part of our submarine force, ” said Durrua.
Miami and its crew of 13 officers and 121 enlisted Sailors arrived at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard March 1. While at the shipyard, Miami is undergoing a major availability consisting of various maintenance projects and system upgrades.
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command, is committed to maximizing the material readiness of the fleet by ensuring every ship is ready to respond to the Navy’s missions.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , April 02, 2012; Image: navy