Sailors from USS Boise to Participate in Namesake Visit

The commanding officer of Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Boise (SSN 764) and three crew members are participating in a three-day namesake visit to the “Gem State” Oct. 20-22.

Cmdr. Brian Sittlow, commanding officer, USS Boise will also meet with Gov. C. L. “Butch” Otter, Boise Mayor David Bieter and the Boise Rotary Club to provide an overview of the submarine force.

“It’s a great opportunity to visit Boise and reconnect with the leadership in the state,” said Sittlow, a native of Hammond, Wis., who assumed command of the Norfolk, Va.-based ship Jan. 22, 2010. “Visits like this are invaluable to communicate the role submarines have in maintaining freedom of the seas by providing ready forces, conducting effective undersea operations and war fighting, and preparing for future operations now.”

During their visit, the Boise crew will participate in several community outreach visits, including visits at two area high schools. The crew will speak about the mission of the submarine force with a science class at South Junior High School and speak with students attending a physics class at Borah High School.

“I never thought I would have a chance to be a part of something like this when I joined the Navy. It’s an experience that I won’t forget,” said Fire Control Technician Seaman Kyle Mercier, a native of Chesapeake, Va.

Sailors will receive a hearty welcome during their attendance of the Boise State vs. Air Force Academy game at Boise State University Oct. 22 where they will be introduced at halftime.

Sittlow will have an opportunity to speak with the Boise State Broncos football team, ranked No. 5 in the first Bowl Championship Series standings before the team takes to the field.

He will also make a guest appearance on Boise NBC-affiliate KTVB’s “True Blue” Pregame Show.

“Attending events such as the Boise State game is an excellent venue to highlight the unique bond our submarine shares with its namesake city, said Sittlow. “The commonalities between the dedication and professionalism of the sailors of the ‘Bronco Boat’ and the Boise State Broncos football team run deep.”

Fast-attack submarines like Boise have multifaceted missions. They use their stealth, persistence, agility and firepower to deploy and support special force operations, disrupt and destroy an adversary’s military and economic operations at sea, provide early strike from close proximity, and ensure undersea superiority.

Nicknamed “A One Ship Fleet,” Boise is the second U.S. Navy ship to bear the name of Idaho’s capital city. Built by Newport News Shipbuilding and General Dynamics Electric Boat Division, Boise was commissioned, Nov. 7, 1992. Boise was recently awarded the Battenberg Cup in 2010 as the top overall ship in the Atlantic Fleet. There are 19 officers and 131 enlisted assigned.

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Source: navy, October 20, 2011