11:31 PM EDT on Saturday, July 24, 2004

By SARAH WALKER / 13 News

The homecoming for the crew of the U.S.S. Firebolt at Naval Station Norfolk was one tinged with sorrow.

The crew returned to Hampton Roads on Sunday after a six-month deployment to the Arabian Gulf. The 28 sailors found a warm reception from family members, who held signs and American flags.

But with the return came hard memories of a terrorist attack involving the crew and their ship. On April 24, a suicide bomber struck a ship near the Firebolt, killing two Navy sailors and a member of the Coast Guard. Three other sailors were injured.

The sailors were protecting Iraqi oil terminals in the Persian Gulf on the day of the attack, when a fishing boat came too close and wouldn't leave.

The boat — now 10 to 15 feet away — suddenly exploded, causing the patrol boat to flip over. Everyone went in the water.

Petty Officer Timothy Carlton worked his way to the surface, as did Petty Officer Nathan Kisner before trying to help Chris Watts, who was seriously wounded.

"I did what I could," Kisner said. "He was my fellow shipmate. That's what we were always taught: Make sure your shipmates are OK."

Watts died along with Michael Pernaselli and Nathan Bruckenthal, Carlton and Kisner were injured.

Carlton's shrapnel scars were still visible on his face and arms when he met his ship mates at Naval Station Norfolk along with Kisner on Sunday. He also has some nerve damage. Kisner suffered minor hearing loss and had a wound under his arm.

In other news, there are more homecomings expected over the next couple of days.

Sunday, the Truman and its strike group arrive. The U.S.S. George Washington strike group returns on Monday.