The commanding officer and several crew members of USS Dallas (SSN 700) are participating in a namesake city visit to the Lone Star State, Nov. 8 – 12.
USS Dallas Commanding Officer , Cmdr. Jack Houdeshell; the Chief of the Boat, Senior Chief Fire Control Technician (SS) W.D. Williams; Sonar Technician Submarines 1st Class (SS) Adam Lowrey, USS Dallas Senior Sailor of the Year; and Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class (SS) Andrew Stowers, USS Dallas Junior Sailor of the Year will participate in the city’s Veterans Day parade and meet with members of the Navy League.
“This is a great opportunity to return to our namesake city especially on Veterans Day weekend,” said Houdeshell, a native of Iowa, who assumed command of the Los Angeles class attack submarine in February.
During the crew’s visit, the crew of Dallas will participate in two community engagement events during their four-day visit to show their support of their namesake city. The visiting USS Dallas crew will meet with students enrolled in the USMC JROTC program at W.T. White High School.
“As a Chief of the Boat I’m always working with young people by mentoring and guiding their careers,” said Williams. “I’m always thrilled and eager to communicate with other young people, especially during these types of visits, because it makes me appreciate the future of America.”
In addition to meeting with students enrolled in the JROTC program, the Sailors will also meet with children at the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital.
Earlier this year, more than a dozen crew members of USS Dallas participated in a community relations event while visiting Harbordale Elementary School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., as part of Fleet Week Port Everglades 2012. The visit served as a chance for students to learn about the Navy and its Sailors and for the submariners to emphasize the importance of education.
Dallas is the first United States naval ship to bear the name of the city of Dallas, Texas. Dallas is a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine of the Los Angeles-class built by Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff,November 9, 2012; Image: US Navy