Dixon (AS 37) - Naval Cruise Book

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The dawn of 15 June, 1981, was a typical southern California day, overcast and hazy. As the sun broke through the clouds, the high rises on Coronado could be seen before us and Point Loma beaconed us from the left. With deep satisfaction and pride, we lined the rails as the ship slowly made its way into the channel, toward the Naval Submarine Support Facility. As we moved closer, small boats raced around us with signs and posters welcoming us back and messages for the crew. The ships moored at the base sounded their horns in unison and saluted our return to our accustomed place at the pier. As the ship swung around to the Med Moor with the assistance of the tug boats, the crew strained to see the faces of their friends and loved ones crowding the parking lot. It seemed as though the ship would never be moored, but the divers and crane operators worked relentlessly against the tide and wind to bring the DIXON to rest at home. Finally, liberty call and the long wait was over. All the frustrations and irritations of the previous five months were momentarily forgotten as wives, children, husbands, and friends raced up the pier frantically searching for and finding their sailors. The look on a new baby ' s face, the embrace and kiss from a wife. HOW SWEET IT IS; WELCOME HOME.