USS Louisville Crew Visits Namesake City

Since 03-12-04

From NSL UPDATE 11-26-2003

USS Louisville Crew Visits Namesake City
By Chief Journalist (SW/AW) David Rush, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- The submarines homeported in Pearl Harbor all have something in common in that they are named after cities in the United States. Consequently, crewmembers make regular trips to visit their namesake cities in order to maintain a relationship with those living in their cities.

Cmdr. Michael Jabaley and Master Chief Machinist’s Mate (SS/DV) Thomas Vatter, commanding officer and chief of the boat of USS Louisville (SSN 724), did this recently, as they made the long journey to Louisville, Ky.

During their visit, the two not only got a chance to see the many sights that Louisville has to offer, they also made sure to tell the residents of their namesake city that they are doing their job, for those living in their city, and for all Americans throughout the country. After visits with city officials and television interviews, they made what they considered their most important stop in their city. They visited children at the Home of The Innocents, a pediatric convalescence center in Louisville.

From there, the two accompanied some of the children on a trip to make and design pottery at a nearby manufacturer. “It was an opportunity to get some of the kids out on a field trip and do something creative. They have varying degrees of communication abilities, motor skills and communications, but they all were able to enjoy it in some fashion. The children are long-term residents of the center, and are all combating challenging birth defects or injuries,” Jabaley said.

Jabaley and Vatter participated in painting plates with the children, and also painted platters to be auctioned at an upcoming fall harvest fundraiser. According to Jabaley, the home is of great importance the submarine’s crew. “USS Louisville supports the Home of the Innocents as its charity of choice, and in 2001 under the leadership of Cmdr. Russ Janicke, then commanding officer, donated over $5,000 to fund a sun porch as part of the home's expansion,” concluded Jabaley.

Louisville was commissioned Nov. 8, 1986, at the Naval Submarine Base, New London, Conn. The 35th nuclear-powered attack submarine of the Los Angeles-class design, Louisville is one of the most advanced attack submarines in the world.

Louisville is the fourth U.S. ship to bear the name Louisville.

C. Michael Garverick
Captain, U. S. Navy (Retired)
Executive Director
Naval Submarine League  www.navalsubleague.com
(703) 256-0891(V) - (703) 642-5815 (FAX)