Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 5, 2003
Contact:  Kirsten Kendrick, Governor’s Communications Office, 360-902-4136 or 360-239-1399 cell

Gov. Gary Locke Welcomes USS Camden Sailors Home to Bremerton

Gov. Gary Locke today joined other dignitaries, families, friends and well-wishers in welcoming home the Bremerton-based USS Camden and its crew of about 550 sailors. The crew received a hero’s welcome at Naval Station Bremerton.

“You truly are heroes,” Locke told the sailors. “We can’t thank you enough for your selfless service. You were prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom. We are relieved to have you home safe and sound.”

The Camden crew spent nearly 10 months at sea as part of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier battle group. Like the other ships in the battle group, the Camden was sent back to the Middle East as it was returning home in December 2002 to prepare for a showdown with Iraq. Navy officials say the Camden played a vital role in Operation Iraqi Freedom, keeping the battle group's ships supplied with fuel, ammunition, food, mail and other needed supplies.

The governor also addressed the crew’s family members. “Thank you for your unwavering support of the sailors returning home today. Thank you for the sacrifices you make every day to support our military personnel and our country. Thank you for enduring 10 long months apart from your loved ones, and for letting us share in this joyous homecoming today.”

Locke will also welcome home the 3,300 sailors on board the USS Abraham Lincoln tomorrow, May 6, in Everett. The governor will fly onto the aircraft carrier via helicopter and visit with the sailors as they make their way into Naval Station Everett.

During the past six weeks, Locke has visited military personnel at several installations around the state, including Naval Station Everett; Naval Air Station Whidbey Island; Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane; and McChord Air Force Base and Fort Lewis in Pierce County.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The governor proclaimed today “USS Camden Day” in Washington state.

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