Los Angeles-Class Fast-Attack Submarine USS Louisville Visits Malaysia

The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Louisville (SSN 724) arrived in Malaysia April 3 for a visit as part of its deployment to the western Pacific.

Louisville moored alongside USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) to receive tended support for the submarine tender.

“We anticipate performing a variety of submarine support services for Louisville to ensure all systems are fully functioning and operational when she returns to sea,” said Lt. Cmdr. James Hicks, Emory S. Land’s production maintenance officer.

Emory S. Land’s Repair Department is capable of providing tended support to U.S. submarines worldwide. Land can conduct equipment adjustments, repair and manufacturing to ensure the continued readiness of Louisville and quality of life for its crew during their deployment.

With a crew of more than 145 Sailors and officers, Louisville will conduct a multitude of missions and showcase the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet.

“I visited Sepangar on a previous deployment, so I am excited for my crew to see this beautiful country, be exposed to its rich culture, and interact with its people,” said Cmdr. Lee P. Sisco, commanding officer. “It is mutually beneficial for the United States Navy and royal Malaysian navy to have professional and personal interactions between our service members. Not only does this help us to improve each other’s capabilities through shared ideas and knowledge, but we also build upon the trust and cooperation that are critical in our relationship as counterparts.”

Louisville is a multi-mission platform that can operate independently, or in conjunction with carrier strike groups and joint forces to support the mission of the United States Navy throughout the world.

“From the moment Louisville left Pearl Harbor, our Sailors have stayed focused, active and alert,” said Senior Chief Fire Control Technician Joseph Bransfield, chief of the boat. “Each Sailor on board knows that ownership, stewardship and high standards lead to excellence, which in turn results in quality liberty. While we are in port we plan to spend time reconnecting with family and friends, recharging our batteries and forging new memories with our shipmates.”

For most of the crew members, this is their first time visiting Malaysia.

“Growing up in a small New England town, I didn’t experience much diversity,” said Electronics Technician Seaman Joshua Hamilton. “Our port visit to Malaysia will be my first chance to experience a new culture. After being underway for so long I am excited to be in the sun again and participate in the Malaysian outdoors.”

Measuring more than 360 feet long and weighing more than 6,000 tons when submerged, Louisville is one of the most advanced and stealthiest attack submarines in the world. Louisville uses her stealth, mobility, endurance, and firepower to perform missions in undersea warfare, surface warfare, strike warfare, mine warfare, battlespace preparation including intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance, and combat search and rescue.

Louisville is homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Commissioned in 1986, it is the fourth United States ship to bear the name.

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Naval Today Staff , April 04, 2012;