The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Cheyenne (SSN 773) departed Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Dec. 13, for a scheduled six-month deployment in the Western Pacific region.
Cheyenne’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Noel J. Gonzalez , commented the crew is eager and excited to get underway.
“I am extremely happy with the crew’s enthusiasm, eagerness, and motivation to accomplish our tasking,” said Gonzalez.
Gonzalez said the crew has anxiously waited for the day to deploy after having spent months preparing and training for the missions they will soon undertake. From different weather patterns to deployed operational tasking, Cheyenne will face many challenges during deployment that are not normally encountered in the local operating area.
For many on the crew, including Electronics Technician 3rd Class Sean Michael Dziuvenis, this will be a first deployment.
“It’s going to be a long time away from homeport, not talking to my family and friends, but I’m looking forward to the port visits and seeing the world,” said Dziuvenis.
Along with accomplishing the mission, the deployment will provide an opportunity to gain experience for many on the crew to include watchstanding, and submarine qualifications.
“This is without a doubt the best-trained crew in the Pacific Fleet and they are ready to complete any mission,” said Cheyenne’s Command Master Chief Michael Hinkle.
Commissioned September 1996, USS Cheyenne is the third ship of the United States Navy to be named for Cheyenne, Wyoming, and is one of the most capable attack submarines in the world. She can launch Harpoon and Tomahawk missiles as well as Mark-48 torpedoes.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, December 17, 2012; Image: US Navy