The last of the Seawolf-class submarines, USS Jimmy Carter (SSN 23), arrived at its new home of Naval Base Kitsap Nov. 9 from Groton, Conn., to the delight of more than 300 family members and Navy personnel waiting pierside. Carter replaced USS Parche (SSN 683), which was decommissioned in October 2004. “They’re finally here,” said the wife of Capt. Robert Kelso, commanding officer. “We’ve been waiting for four months, so this is pretty exciting. Not only were families and fellow Sailors on hand, but a band from the Bear Creek School played Navy songs as the crowd eagerly awaited the boat’s arrival, and members of the Lake Washington Navy League were there to welcome the crew home. Clowns were there as well to entertain the children inside the newly renovated building on the pier.
