Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Houston (SSN 713) arrived at its new homeport, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Jan. 17, after completing a change of homeport from Commander, Submarine Squadron 15 in Apra Harbor, Guam.
Houston, with a crew size of 150, departed Guam Jan. 6 after nine years of being forward deployed. While at Pearl Harbor, Houston will be assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron 7.
“The crew is looking forward to living in a more diverse tropical paradise and enjoying everything Oahu has to offer,” said Cmdr. David Schappert , Houston commanding officer. “And at the same time, being closer to family in the continental United States.”
While the crew was focused on preparing the submarine for the voyage across the Pacific, families transferred their children to their new schools and shipped household goods largely without the assistance from their Sailor. Personnel Support Detachments and housing offices in Guam and Hawaii provided assistance during this change.
“It was a lot of work leading up to this move and I am glad we are finally here,” said Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class (SS) Reynaldo Perez from San Antonio. “I am really looking forward to learning about the Hawaiian culture and experiencing all the great things Hawaii has to offer.”
While transiting to Hawaii, the crew conducted a time-honored Navy tradition of “crossing the line.” This was a unique ceremony where the submarine crossed the equator and the International Date Line at the same time allowing the crew to qualify as “golden shellbacks.”
Houston is the fourth ship to be named after the Texas city and is capable of conducting anti-surface and anti-submarine operations along with guided missile strike operations using conventional Tomahawk land attack missiles.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , January 19, 2012; Image: navy