THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, November 18, 1994 TAG: 9411180503
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: By SARAH MISKIN, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines
Stephen Brown gasped in awe as his new son wrapped a tiny finger around his own.
``Wow,'' he said. ``Wow. I just don't have any words to describe it. I am so excited.''
Brown was one of the lucky few sailors to be flown by helicopter off the aircraft carrier George Washington on Thursday, gaining the privilege as a ``new father,'' a term used to describe those who became parents during their six-month deployment.
Stephen Jr., only 10 weeks old, was oblivious to the anxiety of those who were awaiting news Thursday of whether the ship would dock in the bad weather.
Brown had only seen pictures of his son, sent by his wife, Crystal.
``He is a whole lot better in person,'' Brown said.
Like all new fathers who made it off the carrier, Kevin Miller, an aviation electronics technician, had a stunned look on his face as he gazed at his 5-week-old daughter, Korri, her tiny face and hands still soft pink and wrinkled.
``I feel like jumping up and kissing the ground and doing everything,'' he said, his face glowing with pride.
Those left on board the ship were ``pretty mad,'' Miller said, adding that he was looking forward to getting home and spending time with his family.
Other families were not so lucky. The long wait for news about the carrier tested the patience of many parents looking after small children who were easily bored by the delay.
The George Washington is anchored one mile from Pier 12 at the Norfolk Naval Base. It is not expected to dock until some time today.
Looking at the weather early Thursday, most had come prepared. Valerie Wilkerson was waiting for her husband, Lt. James Wilkerson, with their two children, 2-year-old James Wilkerson III and Lauren Ashley, 5 months.
``I am going to stay here and stick it out,'' she said at 11 a.m. ``I have brought enough milk, diapers and everything. I am prepared.''
Many talked of the effort their children had put into decorating their homes for ``Daddy's homecoming.''
Lisa Hall said her three girls, 6-year-old Laura, 4-year-old Anna-Marie and 2-year-old Kellie, had been counting down on a paper chain Billy (Biff) Hall's return from his first deployment.
``We have a sign that says `We missed you sooo much' that runs the length of the house,'' Hall said. ``I put red lipstick on the girls and let them kiss it so it's got all these little lips all over it.''
It will be at least one more day before Dad gets to see it.
KEYWORDS: SHIP ARRIVAL HURRICANE GORDON by CNB