USS Hue City Starts Tiger Cruise

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66) began its end-of-deployment tiger cruise after arriving in Norfolk, July 1.

A tiger cruise allows a Sailor's friends and loved ones to go to sea and experience a day in the life of a U.S. Navy Sailor.

Arriving at Naval Station Norfolk before transiting to her homeport of Mayport, Fla., Hue City welcomed 85 guests, all eager to be reunited with their Sailor.

"Family and friends learn to appreciate what their Sailor does in their day-to-day routine and how it contributes to the greater mission of the Navy," said Senior Chief Operations Specialist Timothy Mollock, one of the coordinators of the tiger cruise.

Upon arrival to Hue City, each tiger received a Surface Warfare Specialist personnel qualification standard to work on while underway, and a schedule of events for the two-day cruise.

It took a lot of planning for the event to become a reality.

"After canvassing the crew and determining that they would enjoy inviting a tiger, we quickly began working on getting permission from the Navy to have a tiger cruise," said Mollock.

Activities over the next two days will include an air power demo with USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), a frocking ceremony for newly selected senior chief petty officers, a steel-beach picnic on the ship's flight deck, and two ice cream socials.

"I'm excited for my dad to be here with me," said Fire Controlman 2nd Class John Dempsey. "He used to be in the Navy and I would like to show him how much things have changed since he was in. It'll also give us a chance to bond and catch up after being away for so long."

Hue City is transiting to her homeport of Mayport, Fla., after operating in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

For more news from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn69/.