Submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) arrived in Portland, Ore., for a regular overhaul and dry-docking Feb. 10.
“I’m excited to be back in the States,” said Personnel Specialist Seaman Apprentice Deven Gonzales , a Sailor assigned to Frank Cable. “I’m hoping to do a lot of cycling and sightseeing in Oregon.”
During their four week passage from Guam to Oregon, Sailors on board the Frank Cable enjoyed a week in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; worked on qualifications; and participated in many fire, flooding, man-overboard and abandoned ship drills.
“The Sailors’ primary mission in Portland is to support the shipyard to ensure a smooth yard period, providing force protection for the ship, ” said Master Chief Hull Technician Kenneth Wagner , repair master chief on board Frank Cable. “Sailors, on their off time, will have opportunities to take in the sites here in the Northwest region.”
Wagner said the purpose of the ROH is to conduct engineering repair, hull preservation and provide material upgrades to the ship.
“The dry-docking availability should result in a significant improvement in the material condition of the ship,” said Capt. Pete Hildreth , Frank Cable’s commanding officer. “As a result of this maintenance period, Frank Cable should not need to go back in dock for scheduled maintenance for eight years. This will allow Frank Cable to focus on its primary mission of conducting submarine repair in the Western Pacific.”
Submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) is temporarily relieving Frank Cable from conducting maintenance of submarines and surface vessels deployed in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility.
Following the dry-docking and maintenance, sea trials will be conducted prior to Frank Cable transitioning back to Guam.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , February 14, 2012; Image: navy