USS La Jolla Visits Yokosuka

The Los Angeles class fast attack submarine USS La Jolla (SSN 701) arrived at Fleet Activities Yokosuka Sept. 10 for a visit as part of its deployment to the Western Pacific.

With a crew of approximately 135, La Jolla will conduct a multitude of missions and showcase the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet.

“Our team brings operational excellence and sustained, multi-mission capabilities to this region of the world, and we are proud do to so,” said Cmdr. Jeff Bernard, La Jolla’s commanding officer. “Our crew aboard the mighty warship La Jolla are thrilled to be on deployment and are very excited about this port call in Yokosuka.”

La Jolla’s crew is highly trained, and operates a submarine that can support a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare and mine warfare. She measures 360 feet long and displaces more than 6,900 tons.

“Since we left Pearl Harbor, the crew has worked very hard and has done an amazing job of keeping the boat operationally ready for this Western Pacific deployment,” said Senior Chief Fire Control Technician (submarine service) Ed Brennan, chief of the boat. “We are all looking forward to some well-earned rest and relaxation in Yokosuka.”

La Jolla has a diverse crew with members who range in age from 19 to 49 and hail from 38 states, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Many of these Sailors are excited to see Japan for the first time and develop a better understanding of the people and culture.

“I’m looking forward to going out and seeing what Yokosuka is all about,” said Information Systems Technician 2nd Class (submarine service) Travis Shands, of Prescott, Ariz. “I hope to get a chance to see some of the culture and talk to the people that live there. I’ve even been studying Japanese!”

La Jolla is home-ported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

[mappress]
Naval Today Staff, September 11, 2012; Image: US Navy