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The Final Chapter
After, over 20 years of service, Caron is just a memory for those of us that served on her.  She answered every call that her nation asked of her honorably and without fail.  Although she was built in the hope that she would never have to fire her weapons in anger, when called upon, she never let her country or her crew down. 

USS Caron, old friend, we salute you.  You helped those of us that served with you, to build a little character as we grew into men.  You helped us to form a few friendships, both with those that served alongside us and with those that came before or after we had the honor to be called a "Caron" sailor.  But, most of all, you gave us a lifetime of memories that I think not one of us shall ever forget.
                                                                                               Don Pennington
                                              The Navy Hymn

Eternal Father, Strong to save,                         Most Holy Spirit! Who didst brood
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,         Upon the chaos dark and rude,
Who bid'st the mighty Ocean deep                    And bid its angry tumult cease,
Its own appointed limits keep;                          And give, for wild confusion, peace;
O hear us when we cry to thee,                       Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee
for those in peril on the sea.                             For those in peril on the sea!

O Christ! Whose voice the waters heard           O Trinitiy of love and power!          
And hushed their raging at Thy word,               Our brethren shield in danger's hour
Who walked'st on the foaming deep,                 From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
and calm amidst its rage didst sleep;                  Protect them wheresoe'er they go;
Oh hear us when we cry to Thee                      Thus evermore shall rise to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!                             Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.
To all of my fellow "Can-Do" Sailors.  From the bow to the stern, and from the bilges to the top of the masts, the crew'of the Caron made her what she was.  The best Destroyer in the Navy.  I have alot of fond memories of my time onboard Caron.  Meeting the Caron Family in Boston, fresh water wars on one of our numerous trips through the "Ditch."  The memories are too many to mention in this small of a space.  Caron did her job admirably and the Navy can thank each and everyone of us that served her proudly.  The Caron team gave it's best and we expected nothing less than 100% from each other.  To you, my fellow shipmates, I am proud to know you and to say that I am a "Caron" sailor.

Fair Winds and Following Seas,

Don Pennington
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