This is Laura Kelley (MMC Mark Kelley's wife). Mark is on the tow crew to take Birmingham back to the mainland. Many gathered at the Nevada Memorial where Cheryl Kenny had invited us to join her for breakfast (Thank You Cheryl). Captain Kenny could not join us today, but CDR. Burke shared a few words with us in his place. It was a sad, but proud moment to witness The Birmingham as she left Pearl Harbor for the last time. She was hooked up to The Sioux (a sea going tow ship) with a special frame over the cone of her nose. (It reminded me of a horse being lead to pasture.) A small tug followed her. Mark and the tow crew rode her out to handle lines but by the time they reached Hickam Harbor the men had been transferred onto the Sioux. As I watched her faded shell leave the harbor, I still felt so proud and was happy to know that Mark and I had shared in just a little part of her history. Farewell Birmingham! I took pictures and as soon as I get them developed and scanned I will forward them on to you.
With Regards, Laura Kelley
I finally found the pics.
The group at the breakfast
The tow vessel, USNS Sioux, the B'ham,
and a tugboat helping us get out of Pearl Harbor
Ford Island is in the background
The ship as it passed Hospital Point
Passing the USS Nevada Memorial
More of the Sioux and B'ham
More of the Sioux and B'ham
Hickham Harbor
Hickham Harbor