by Lt. j.g. Garry Ferguson,
USS Helena Public Affairs
Crewmembers from USS Helena (SSN 725) lead the march in the South Berwick Christmas parade. The Los Angeles-class submarine, homeported in San Diego, is undergoing extended maintenance including several system upgrades at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
Sailors assigned to USS Helena (SSN 725) led a Christmas parade in South Berwick, Maine on November 28. Helena, a Los Angeles-class submarine homeported in San Diego, arrived at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard September 2 for extended maintenance including several system upgrades. Upon their arrival, Sailors have been building a relationship with the community.
“It was a tremendous honor to be asked to participate. Everyone enjoyed themselves and looks forward to more opportunities like this,” said Master Chief Hospital Corpsman David DiPietro, chief of the boat.
“The courtesy and hospitality of the people of South Berwick and Rollinsford was second to none,” said Electronics Technician 2nd Class Jared Denney.
Upon arrival at the shipyard, Helena Sailors hit the ground running, participating in a number of community events, including Veterans Day activities and a “Meet and Greet” sponsored by the Helena Committee of South Berwick on October 28.
The host committee, with 27 volunteer members, has compiled a calendar of events and will work with the submarine to involve Sailors and family members in those activities.
Helena, named after Helena, Montana, was commissioned on July 11, 1987. Her motto is “Proud and Fearless. For more news from Commander Submarine Group 2, visit www.navy.mil/local/Subgru2.
