THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT  
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Thursday, February 1, 1996             TAG: 9602010300
SECTION: LOCAL                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: FINAL  
SOURCE: BY TOM GILLESPIE, STAFF WRITER
                                             LENGTH: Medium:   51 lines

CORRECTION/CLARIFICATION: ***************************************************************** The destroyer tender Yellowstone received the Navy Unit Commendation for its role in Operation Desert Storm. A MetroNews story Thursday about the Navy ship's decommissioning had an error. Correction published Friday, February 2, 1996 on page A2 of THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT. ***************************************************************** DESTROYER TENDER YELLOWSTONE IS DECOMMISSIONED AT AGE 17

Like an old Navy master chief petty officer retiring after a colorful career, the destroyer tender Yellowstone was decommissioned Wednesday amid pomp and ceremony after 17 years of support for the Navy's Atlantic Fleet.

Rain pelted the crew members as they stood tall, in true maritime tradition, along the ship's railing for the last time.

Below, on Norfolk Naval Station's Pier 12, spouses, former crew members and dignitaries huddled from the rain in clear plastic tents for the ceremony retiring the 641-foot tender from active duty, into the Reserve Fleet.

The third Navy vessel to carry the name, Yellowstone was the first of four Yellowstone-class tenders built in San Diego.

Yellowstone provided repair parts, weapons, ammunitions, personnel support, and medical, dental and mess facilities for ships of the Atlantic Fleet.

Yellowstone had tended three battle groups during its deployment for Operation Desert Storm and had received the Navy Commendation Medal.

The ceremony neared its end and the ship's flags and pennants were slowly lowered.

A Navy band on the pier played Sousa's march ``King Cotton.'' The crew slowly marched down the ship's two gangways, fore and aft.

After they had formed ranks on the pier, the commanding officer ordered the commissioning pennant lowered. Three sharp whistle blasts cut the air like lightning.

The commanding officer ordered the securing of the watch as the American flag was lowered for the last time on the Yellowstone. A lone bugler played a retreat, and a grand old vessel was told to rest.

KEYWORDS: DECOMMISSIONING by CNB