Perch Base displayed the USS Phoenix (SSN-702) float at the USS Phoenix Welcome Home and Re-Christening Ceremony on Tuesday, September 20, 2016 to celebrate the arrival of the USS Phoenix (SSN-702) sail, planes and rudder, and to provide thanks and recognition to many people that were instrumental in bringing the USS Phoenix home.
Speakers included Capt. Pete Lumianski, UNS (Ret.) who was the Master of Ceremonies. Maj. Gen. Michael McGuire, USAF, the Adjutant General of Arizona, who has provided the storage space at the Papago Park Military Reservation to maintain the USS Phoenix parts until they can be permanently installed at the Steele Indian School Park read a Proclamation by the Honorable Doug Ducey, Governor of the State or Arizona, commemorating the event. The Honorable Greg Stanton, Mayor of Phoenix, who will be responsible, going forward, for the future installation addressed the attendees. Terry Goddard, former Mayor of Phoenix & creator of the USS Phoenix Commission spoke of the Commission, which maintained hospitality for USS Phoenix sailors while it was operating and initiated the efforts to bring the sail to Phoenix after decommissioning. The final speaker was Rear Adm. Michael McLaughlin, USN (Ret.), a 30-year veteran who served on 6 submarines, including Commanding the USS LaJolla (SSN-701) and Submarine Squadron 11.
The Re-Christening was by Amy Rhodes Marshall, the eldest granddaughter of the late Congressman John J. Rhodes, Jr. and his late wife Elizabeth "Betty" Rhodes. Betty Rhodes was the ship's sponsor who christened the USS Phoenix (SSN-702) in December 1979.
The "grunt" work, such as setting up chairs and passing out programs was performed by the new CPO Selectees (Congrats!)
Channel 3 was there and ran a news story.

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