WAVE 3 TV Louisville, KY | Kentucky Navy League Honors USS Kentucky Crew
By David McArthur
(LOUISVILLE, November 22nd, 2004) -- Isolated in a world without daylight for months at time -- it's not easy living on the USS Kentucky. But deep in the Pacific Ocean, Bluegrass friendships help fuel the sailors. WAVE 3's David McArthur reports.
The USS Kentucky's mission is to keep a low profile, but it's hard to hide from the Kentucky Navy League. Its members often go where few civilians ever go.
"We want them to know there are people out there that are proud of them, that admire them and think they are special," says Jo Biehle, whose elementary school adopted the sub 13 years ago to help teach math, science and citizenship.
"These gentlemen provide a positive role model, especially for those children that come from broken homes. They allow children to understand the true meaning of patriotism."
It goes both ways. USS Kentucky sailors often help out with habitat projects in Louisville, and building relationships with local leaders.
Louisville Stoneware is working on a much scaled down ceramic version of the "Thoroughbred of the Fleet."
Make no mistake -- the Kentucky carries a serious mission and threat -- up to 24 nuclear missiles on board that hopefully will never launch. They are there as a blanket of security, however, just in case.
And the Navy's homefront support is also a serious mission.
But even on a sub, armed with nuclear warheads and billion dollar technology, there is one sight more powerful than the USS Kentucky: the sight of waiting loved ones when the crew returns from patrol.
Online Reporter: David McArthur
Online Producer: Michael Dever
