The commander of Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet presented the Navy Unit Commendation award to the crew of the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Santa Fe (SSN 763) at the Pearl Harbor Submarine Park and Parche Memorial on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam., Hawaii, April 5.
Rear Adm. Frank Caldwell recognized the crew of Santa Fe for their outstanding performance during their last deployment from Feburary 2011 to August 2011.
According to the award citation Santa Fe’s crew, “skillfully conducted four operations of great importance to national security by safely operating in a demanding and challenging undersea environment, directly enhancing fleet, theater and national objectives. The crew displayed exceptional tactical skill, tenacity and perseverance while operating under extremely challenging conditions to prepare the battle space for future operations. Santa Fe’s tactical acumen was further displayed by their highly successful participation in exercise Malabar, a bilateral exercise with the Indian navy.”
Santa Fe’s commanding officer, Cmdr. David Adams , credits the award to the crew’s hard work and dedication.
“The Navy Unit Commendation awarded to the Santa Fe really highlights the best things about our deployments and how we go out and defend the nation,” said Adams. “The crew’s performance throughout the deployment was outstanding. I am very proud to be a part of this team and to be able to see the crew get recognized for all their hard work.”
Established by the secretary of the Navy Dec. 18, 1944, and awarded by the secretary with the approval of the President, this unit commendation is conferred on any ship, aircraft, detachment or other unit of the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps which distinguished itself for extremely meritorious service in support of military operations, which were outstanding when compared to other units performing similar service.
Santa Fe is currently assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron 7 and is the second ship to be named in honor of the capital city of New Mexico. As an improved Los Angeles-class, it features retractable bow planes and 12 vertical launch tubes for cruise missile strikes.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , April 08, 2012; Image: navy