USS Hyman G. Rickover Returns From Final Deployment

There were cheers and plenty of hugs at Naval Station Norfolk with the return of the USS Hyman G. Rickover. There may have been a few tears of sadness as well. On the pier, standing next to anxious families awaiting the arrival of loved ones, one woman stood out. "I know so many young men. And I'm so proud of all of them," Eleonore Rickover said. Eleonore Rickover is proud of the sailors, and the ship that bears the name of her late husband, Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, especially since this is its final trip. She said, "I have mixed feelings about it, but I'm very happy about it. That they did so well, and that I was able to take part in almost all the activities that they've done."USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN-709)For more than two decades, the Rickover has served the Navy. For the last six months, the sub worked in support of the Global War on Terror. The fast attack sub's return brought obvious joy to wives and kids, and a touch of sadness for the Commanding Officer Robert Cosgriff, who calls Rickover a personal hero. "We'll always find ways to pay tribute to Admiral Rickover. As long as we have the nuclear Navy, and the submarines, we will not forget his name. His name will be plastered everywhere. It will remain in our memories." In two months, the sub will be deactivated. A ceremony will take place on December 14th. "I'm not sad today. I'm saving that. That's for tomorrow. This is happy," Eleonore Rickover said.