Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Jacksonville (SSN 699) departed Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Nov. 5, for a scheduled six-month deployment in the Western Pacific region.
Jacksonville’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Nate Sukols , said of the 115 enlisted and 16 officers aboard, this is the first deployment for more than 50 percent of the crew.
“They are anxious to go out there and do what submarines do at the pointy end of the spear,” said Sukols.
Sukols said the submarine’s goals are to have a safe deployment while performing missions vital to national security.
“I’m a little nervous because this is my first deployment, but I have a good division. They support me, and it’s one big family,” said Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Andrew Blouch .
Commissioned in May 1981, Jacksonville is named for Jacksonville, Fla. Nicknamed “The Bold One,” she is a nuclear attack submarine that is 360-feet long and displaces 6,900 tons. She can be fitted with Mk-48 torpedoes and harpoon missiles.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, November 7, 2012; Image: US Navy