In a regular deployment, the dockyard would be filled with families holding signs, hugging their loved ones and waving them off as the ship departs.
But with coronavirus measures still in place, everything’s had to change.“COVID challenges us to adjust our training, technical and personal management in ways we had never imagined,” said Cmdr.
Christopher Rochon, just before the departure.The crew will be spending a lot more time on board the ship, as visiting port cities in Europe won’t be an option.“When we come alongside along a foreign port, we don’t get to go ashore anymore,” said Petty Officer First Class Joyce Farmer.“But, we as a family, we will be able to keep ourselves entertained.