HONOLULU -- The new Ehime Maru arrived at Honolulu Harbor Tuesday, 28 months after a Navy submarine struck and sank the original fishing vessel after which it's named. The Japanese training vessel and its crew was greeted by a flotilla that included a Honolulu Fire Department boat that that fired its water cannons in welcome.

The ship is the replacement for the ship that was rammed by a U.S. submarine two years ago off Oahu, killing nine men and boys.

Dozens of people lined the harbor to welcome the ship and crew.

"I'm so happy to see a new ship and you know two years ago, they had (such an) awful time, but I can see there little bit (of) smiles (on their) faces. So my feeling is so good," Hiju Ashikaga said.

The ship left Japan on May 7 and carries a crew of 36 teachers and students from the Uwajima Fisheries High School in southwestern Japan. Of the 36 teachers and students onboard the new ship, 11 crew members and one student are survivors of the Feb. 9, 2001, tragedy.

Daisuke Shinoto, 19, has returned on the new ship as a survivor and as an upperclassman. He's tried to go on with his life after the accident.

"I didn't really think about it, it didn't really cross my mind, but when it does, occassionally it brings back sad feelings," Shinoto said.

He said he got emotional, though, as he entered Honolulu Harbor.

"Seeing all these people welcoming us, I was very touched," Shinoto said.

"For all of us here, the memory of the Ehime Maru tragedy will never be forgotten. At the same time, the Japanese people will never forget the warm hospitality, kind support and goodwill to us by the people of Hawaii," Japan Consul General Masatoshi Muto said.

A short ceremony, which included gifts from the Saint Louis School Japanese Club and Hawaii Junior Baseball Team, marked the Ehime Maru's maiden voyage back to Honolulu.

"We are so delighted that you have the courage and strength to make this voyage and again hope that this is just the start of what has been a very long relationship," Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona said.

The Ehime Maru will stay in Hawaii for four days, but it won't be its last visit.

"The Ehime Maru will continue to visit Hawaii every time she goes on a training voyage," Uwajima Fisheries High School Principal Kazumitsu Joko said.

The crew also laid a wreath at the Ehime Maru Memorial at Kakaako Waterfront Park.

A court of inquiry was held for Cmdr. Scott Waddle, of the USS Greeneville, in 2001. Waddle was allowed to retire honorably with full benefits.

A team of Navy divers and salvage operators moved the remains of the Ehime Maru farther from shore and recovered the remains of all but one of the nine victims at the end of 2001.