Captain Joseph Talbert Visits The USS Razorback

Retired Navy Captain Joseph Talbert salutes the American flag as he climbs the gangplank onto the USS Razorback`s deck. The 71 year old from Coronado, California, was the last American commander of the submarine built during World War Two. He came to North Little Rock today to see his vessel for the first time in 34 years. Talbert recalled commanding the ship on a six-month deployment through the western Pacific Ocean before it was turned over to Turkey. He said the sub is a part of his life a very important part. Talbert will be there Sunday for a celebration to welcome the Razorback to central Arkansas after a 7,000 mile voyage from Turkey. In the meantime, he enjoyed touring his old command today as the sub lay moored along the north bank of the Arkansas River. Belowdecks, Talbert passed from room to room, pointing out things like where the coffee urn used to beplaces. When he arrived at the cabin that used to be his, he found a photograph on the bed, of him officially turning the vessel over to the Turkish navy. He told volunteers who have been working to clean up the sub that it looks great.