CNO Announces Newest DDG
Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Adm. Michael G. Mullen, announced the construction of USS Stockdale (DDG 106) at the Western Conference and Exposition (West 2006) at the San Diego Conference Center January 12 in the presence of Mrs. Sybil Stockdale, widow of Navy and Vietnam War hero, Vice Adm. James B. Stockdale. “You and James are examples to all of us,” said Mullen to Stockdale. “Vice Adm. Mullen went on to say that it was the first ship he’s named as CNO and that it was only fitting to name it after James Stockdale. “I can’t even put it into words what this means to me,” said Dr. James B. Stockdale, Jr., son of the vice admiral. “I feel very proud. Stockdale is considered by many to be one of the greatest heroes in U.S. history. He was the highest-ranking POW in the Vietnam War.
USS Salt Lake City Retires from Active Duty
The crew of the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Salt Lake City (SSN 716) held the ship’s inactivation ceremony Oct. 26 at Naval Base Point Loma, Calif. More than 250 Sailors, plankowners and former commanding officers turned out for the event to say farewell to the submarine they once served aboard. “It’s sad to see her go,” said retired Capt. Richard Itkin, Salt Lake City’s first commanding officer. After 21 years of active service, Salt Lake City will be decommissioned later this fall at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Virginia. The inactivation ceremony gave the visitors and crew time to say goodbye to the boat before it heads to Virginia. During the ceremony, the commissioning pennant was taken down, symbolizing the ship’s retirement.
