
Louisville, KY - After 8 inches of snow fell on their namesake city, USS Louisville (SSN 724) Commanding Officer Cmdr. Lee Sisco and Chief of the Boat Senior Chief Yeoman (SS) Savan Patel had a chance to "tour" a snow plow. USS Louisville is homeported in Pearl Harbor.
Louisville, KY – USS Louisville (SSN 724) Commanding Officer Cmdr. Lee Sisco and Chief of the Boat Senior Chief Yeoman (SS) Savan Patel visited the boat’s namesake February 7-9, 2010.
Arriving in time for the Super Bowl, they attended a party in Elizabethown with Thoroughbred Sub Clubbers Sunday evening.
Monday began with interview on the Tony Cruise Show aired on WHAS-840 (AM), followed by a coffee social at Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau. Then it was time for a tour at Hillerich & Bradsby, makers of the legendary “Louisville Slugger, by Chairman John A. Hillerich III.
Visits to H&B are always special for Sailors from USS Louisville. Over the years, the crew has gained the nickname “Sluggers,” as the boat has become America’s “Louisville Slugger.” Also, retired Navy Capt. Frank W. Stewart is the general manager of wood products and was the third commanding officer of USS Louisville.
After lunch with commissioning committee members, Mayor Jerry Abramson met with Sisco and Patel. Then it was off to Texas Roadhouse‘s corporate headquarters for a tour. Finally, they dropped in on longtime supporter John Hassmann, owner of A Taste of Kentucky. The day ended with dinner with several members of United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. Louisville Base.
Tuesday started with a surprise. Having left Pearl Harbor just days before, they awoke to find almost 8 inches of snow had fallen, which also brought several changes to their schedule. After visiting with CEPEDA Associates, Inc., the Sailors paid a courtesy call to Jeffersontown Fire Department, then toured the city, stopping by Churchill Downs and the University of Louisville. They even had a chance to check out a snow plow along the way.
Tuesday afternoon found the Sailors in Frankfort. After a quick tour of the Capitol grounds, Governor Steven Beshear welcomed them into his office and commissioned each a Kentucky Colonel. They were then recognized on the floor of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Then it was back to Louisville for dinner with Sub Clubbers.
They returned to the boat’s homeport of Pearl Harbor on Wednesday, with a greater appreciation for the community they represent and strengthened ties to their namesake.