Homeward Bound - December, 1972

NEWPORT NEWS was directed to return to her homeport Norfolk on the Second of December, via the Panama Canal. Departing Subic Bay at 1025 she steamed westward until 1515 when she changed course to 000. Another course change at 1600 brought the ship to 020. The Captain announced the news of the return to the crew at 1745. Nineteen days were spent transitting to the Canal under classified orders. Radio silence was maintained, and mail service curtailed. The Great Circle Route was followed, and no inport periods were had until the ship reached NAVSTA RODMAN, Canal Zone. On 8DEC she was detached from SEVENTH FLEET. On the 11th she rendezvoused with the USS KANSAS CITY (AOR 3) north of Midway Island at 2011. At 2349 she commenced highlining of personnel and refueling operations. The refueling detail secured at 0243 the next morning, which turned out to be the same morning because the ship crossed the International Dateline. Operational control changed on the 13th to Commander FIRST Fleet. At 1514 on the 16th the ship refueled from the USS MARIAS (AO 57) off the coast of Central America. Two day later operational control changed to Commander SECOND FLEET. At 2304 on the 20th she entered the waters of the Canal Zone, and NEWPORT NEWS moored starboard side Pier 1, US NAVSTA RODMAN, at 2358. Refueling commenced. At 0530 the next morning NEWPORT NEWS began the transit of the canal, and enroute received 11 civilian and military passengers. At 1321 she entered international waters. At 1445 full power trial commenced, and the ship proceeded to Norfolk at 30.5 knots. On Christmas Eve as the ship entered the vicinity of Norfolk waters the crew manned the rail. At 1008 NEWPORT NEWS moored port side to Pier 7, US NAVSTA NORFOLK. Members of the press, and Vice Admiral Douglas C. Plate, Commander SECOND FLEET, were among the first to board the ship. Captain Zartman was interviewed by the press and briefed them on the mission and operations of the ship.

Liberty and leave commenced for most of the crew shortly before 1100. NEWPORT NEWS had completed the 11,250 mile transit from Subic Bay to Norfolk in 22 days, 5 hours at an average speed of 21.1 knots. Christmas day began a 30 day standdown period of routine maintenance. On the 29th Commander Robert R. Briner reported for duty as Executive Officer. Routine maintenance continued through the end of the year.