The Los Angeles-class, fast attack submarine USS Buffalo (SSN 715) arrived at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Aug. 27 for a visit as part of its deployment to the Western Pacific.
With a crew of approximately 134 enlisted and 17 officers, Buffalo will conduct a multitude of missions and showcase the latest capabilities of the submarine force.
“Buffalo’s presence in this region represents a continued commitment on behalf of the United States to the national defense of one of our most important allies, ” said Cmdr. Richard E. Seif, Buffalo’s commanding officer. “ Our mission here is to represent the U.S. military’s operational readiness in the Far East and our support of the JMSDF (Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force).”
Buffalo is a nuclear-powered, fast-attack submarine whose primary mission is to conduct anti-submarine warfare as well as intelligence collection, surveillance and reconnaissance. Buffalo is capable of sustained independent operations at sea limited only by the amount of food that can be carried on board.
“Our Sailors have been really looking forward to this visit as some have great memories from the last time we were here ,” said Master Chief Machinist’s Mate (SS/SW/DV) Vance McKinsey, Buffalo’s chief of the boat.
For many of the crew members, this is their first time visiting Japan.
“I know I can speak for everybody aboard Buffalo when I say that we are excited for an opportunity to visit Japan and witness a culture very different than ours, ” said Fire Control Technician 3rd Class Bryan Cooper.
Measuring more than 360 feet long and weighing more than 6,000 tons when submerged, Buffalo is one of the stealthiest submarines in the world. This submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and mine warfare.
Buffalo is a forward deployed first flight Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine commissioned into service Nov. 5, 1983. She is homeported in Apra Harbor, Guam as part of Commander Submarine Group 7 and Commander Task Force 74.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , August 27, 2012