After five-and-a-half years as a forward-deployed submarine stationed in Guam, the Los Angeles-class submarine USS Buffalo (SSN 715) departed for her new homeport of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Jan. 11.
Buffalo and its crew now head to Hawaii for a scheduled extended maintenance period and mission availabilities.
“I am extremely proud of my crew’s sustained readiness as a forward deployed submarine,” said Cmdr. Richard Seif, Buffalo commanding officer . “Our operating schedule has been very dynamic and very challenging, but my crew always exceeded my expectations and made sure we were ready to get the job done.”
Buffalo is the third submarine to change-out in Guam in the last two years. The change-out comprised of USS City of Corpus Christi (SSN 705) with USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723), USS Houston (SSN 713) with USS Chicago (SSN 721) and USS Key West (SSN 722) with Buffalo.
“Transition is something that every submarine must go through. We have been training and preparing for the maintenance period for several months and I am very confident in my Sailors’ readiness for the challenges of the shipyard,” Seif said.
While attached to Guam, Buffalo conducted 11 missions vital to national security. As diplomats of the United States, the submarine crew participated in port-calls visiting Australia, Philippines, Republic of Korea (ROK), Saipan, Japan, Singapore and Thailand.
Buffalo also participated in eight multinational exercises, working with Japan, Australia, ROK, and Thailand, to include Operation Valiant Shield, Undersea Warfare Exercises, Security Exercises, and Cooperation Afloat Operation and Training exercises.
“The men of warship Buffalo have sincerely enjoyed the rich culture of the island and will miss the people. It has been the greatest honor of my 20-year submarine career to command Buffalo here in Guam,” Seif said. “Thanks for the warm hospitality and great memories.”
Buffalo is one of several ships to bear the name USS Buffalo. She was built at Newport News, Va., launched in 1982, and commissioned in November 1983. She has won many honors and awards and on several occasions was recognized as the best submarine in Commander, Submarine Squadron 15 for Battle Efficiency. Buffalo is the 2011 Pacific Fleet Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy Award recipient for superior performance and improved battle efficiency.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, January 14, 2013