Sailors from USS Alabama (SSBN 731) wrapped up a three-day namesake visit to the state of Alabama July 14, following a series of engagements with key civic and community leaders as well as engaging with locally-based organizations.

Alabama Blue Crew Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Paul Reinhardt; Chief of the Boat, Master Chief Fire Control Technician Troy Leonard; and Alabama's Sailor of the Year, Fire Control Technician First Class Charles Cunningham made the 2,500-mile trip from the boat's homeport at Naval Submarine Base Bangor, Washington.

According to Reinhardt, it had been several years since anyone from the submarine had traveled to the state in an official capacity.

The visit kicked off with Reinhardt delivering a keynote speech to more than 200 members of the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham -- the nation's largest club within the volunteer-led organization, which boasts more than 6,000 clubs worldwide. He provided a snapshot of the "Status of the Navy" as well as shed light on the current state and future of the Navy's submarine force.

The crew later met with local Birmingham nonprofit organization, Three Hots and a Cot, a transitional program for homeless veterans. After touring the organization's facility with Chief Financial Officer Richard Cislak and swapping a few sea stories with veterans, the crew presented the center with a USS Alabama ball cap and coin for their display case.

"This was not only an opportunity to educate the general public on the USS Alabama, her mission, and how the submarine force supports national security objectives, but also [to] thank the citizens of this great state on their continued support of our men and women in uniform, especially our veterans," said Reinhardt.

The second day of the visit started with an office call with Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey and key members of his city council, police and fire departments. The crew received an overview brief on the city of Hoover, Birmingham's largest suburb, and each respective department. Reinhardt accepted a "Key to the City" from Ivey on behalf of the Alabama crew.

The crew then traveled to Southern Nuclear, a subsidiary of Southern Company, one of the largest power providers in the United States. They were treated to a facility tour by retired Maj. Gen Dave Burford and all served as special guests at a "Lunch and Learn" program. During the session, the crew briefed more than 50 attendees from two professional groups within Southern Company, Women in Nuclear and North American Young Generators in Nuclear on numerous questions related to the Navy and its submarine force.

Capitalizing on an opportunity to give back while in Alabama, the crew then stopped at Children's of Alabama, the third largest pediatric medical facility in the country. While there, they visited with more than 45 patients and handed out ball caps as part of the Navy's "Caps for Kids" program.

"The highlight for us was visiting Children's of Alabama Hospital in Birmingham," said Reinhardt. "To see a smile on their face and see them have such a positive attitude, despite the challenges they are facing is truly inspiring."

After a quick stop for an interview with local press, the crew headed downtown to Regions Field to participate in the Chicago White Sox's Double-A minor league affiliate, the Birmingham Barons' home game. The crew was introduced on the field to more than 6,000 fans in attendance and each given an opportunity to throw out a ceremonial first pitch.

The final day of the trip consisted of a trip to Tuscaloosa and visit to the University of Alabama. Emblazoned on each of the crew members' nametag is the slogan "Roll Tide," which also happens to be the rally cry of Alabama Crimson Tide athletics.

"It's definitely something that we have in common with the University of Alabama, and without a doubt a common theme on the boat," said Leonard. "Every time I'm talking with my Sailors and ask them how they're doing, they always reply with 'Rollin' Tide.'"

While on campus the crew met with University President Dr. Stuart Bell, visited the Crimson Tide football training complex, toured Bryant-Denny Stadium and met with the Office of Military and Veteran Affairs.

The namesake visit wrapped up with a trip to the Lakeshore Foundation, a Birmingham-based nonprofit organization which serves people with physical disabilities throughout Alabama, across the country and around the world. Lakeshore also serves as a Paralympic training facility and features a program called Lima Foxtrot, which provides sport rehabilitation programs for those military members injured in combat post-9/11 and their families. The Alabama crew spent more than three hours at the foundation with the organization's leadership and met with program attendees and veterans.

"For the people of Alabama, their support of our men and women in military service is genuine and it is much more than just saying 'thank you,'" said Reinhardt. "We see numerous examples where local communities are supporting veterans (some of them disabled), directly through employment (Southern Nuclear), shelter (Three Hots and a Cot), recreation (Lakeshore Foundation), or education (Veterans Affairs Office at the University of Alabama)."

At least seven ships have bore the name USS Alabama since the early 1800s, with the South-Dakota class battleship (BB-60) still sitting in her home of Mobile, Alabama. Even with the Hollywood spin on USS Alabama through the 1995 hit "Crimson Tide," some people were still surprised to learn she still sails today.

"Several people we met did not realize there was a USS Alabama, the submarine; in fact, they thought we were affiliated with the USS Alabama, the battleship, located in Mobile," said Reinhardt. "This visit certainly improved Alabama's understanding of what the submarine and both crews do for our country."

The namesake visit was organized by the Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO). NAVCO connects Americans with their Navy. With most of the Navy's personnel and equipment logically concentrated on America's coasts, NAVCO oversees a number of community outreach programs designed to bring America's Navy to cities throughout the country which do not enjoy a significant Navy presence.