Family and Friends of the “Finest Crew in the Fleet”,

Great news! We are on our way home. Barring unforeseen circumstances and if you are planning to come out to welcome us back in San Diego, you can expect us to arrive pier side at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday morning. That’s right, one day earlier than originally planned and early in the day too! The winner of the “First Kiss Contest” sponsored by our Family Readiness Group is LT Don Tennant who as a winner will be the first to exit the ship to reunite with his family. Also, right behind him will be two new Dads looking to find their new babies and their Moms.

In addition to thanking you again for your fantastic support during this cruise, I’ve got only a few comments to make right now. That’s because the stories and the history are still being made and written by your Sailors at sea as we bring to close yet another chapter in the rich and varied history of “The Finest Crew in the Fleet” and its new home, The Mighty “J10”, USS JUNEAU (LPD 10).

Juneau was awesome! There are numerous press releases flying about in writing, on radio, and even television that narrate a very good story as your Sailor’s made history by making the most of our port visit to USS JUNEAU’s namesake city, Juneau, Alaska. This is especially true for two reasons: (1) this was potentially the last cruise for USS JUNEAU since our next mission is its inactivation; and (2) also because Alaska is celebrating its 50th anniversary of statehood. Many of these stories covered in the press already can be found by doing an Internet search for “USS JUNEAU visits Juneau” using any of the search engines (e.g., Google, Yahoo, Lycos, etc.). Also, we are posting now on our new website at www.cpf.navy.mil – simply, click on the LPD 10 icon to access the website. It will continue to be populated until all the good stories about your Sailors are told.

Rather than tell you all the stories about our visit in Juneau, I have provided detailed lists below that speak to individual achievements by your Sailors since 15 July 08. You can expect subsequent updates concerning any news about the port visit very soon in the future from the command.

Please understand this cruise has been unimaginable for me. Truly, I wish it were possible to have taken each and every one of you with us during our journey. Then you would see firsthand the fantastic teamwork and professionalism that your loved ones in the military exhibit everyday, especially with this team. Always a new day; always a new challenge; but with zeal and determination, your loved ones take the seemingly insurmountable and transform it into something extraordinary. Not once, not twice, but always ready to perform and set a new standard, that’s the indelible hallmark of “The Finest Crew in the Fleet”.

Here’s what our CMC, Command Master Chief, John Crewdson has to say:

“The port visit in Juneau Alaska is one of the highlights of my tour onboard DENVER/JUNEAU. This crew has accomplished so much more than I could have ever expected because we truly are the "Finest Crew in the Fleet". This crew not only completed a successful port visit but represented the Navy with such pride and professionalism that I continue to be amazed on a daily basis. You should be very proud of each and every Sailor aboard!”

Am looking forward to seeing you all soon, V/r, Smiley

CAPT Dennis “Smiley” Mikeska
Commanding Officer
USS JUNEAU (LPD 10)
“The Finest Crew in the Fleet”