USS Cheyenne Wraps Up Mission in Western Pacific, Returns Home

The last of the improved Los Angeles-class submarines, USS Cheyenne (SSN 773), returned home on June 14 to Pearl Harbor after completing a successful six-month Western Pacific deployment.

With a crew of approximately 150 Sailors, Cheyenne visited Subic Bay, Philippines; Busan, South Korea; Yokosuka, Japan; and Guam. Cheyenne’s deployment allowed the crew to test the capabilities of the ship, employ the ship tactically and test their ability to conduct sustained forward-deployed operations away from port.

 “The crew enjoyed the last six months a lot. We started with an end in mind, which was the safe execution of the deployment, mission accomplishment and a safe return to our loved ones who have supported us every day since we left. To them, I say Bravo Zulu,” said Cmdr Noel Gonzalez.

“I am very proud of the way our crew has taken care of each other, how we have safely enjoyed all the ports we visited and the international relationships we established in each port. Now it’s time to spend time with our families, who have also made a sacrifice and shown their commitment by letting us Sailors do what we do best.

“I hope my crew enjoys the time they get off and that they continue to take care of each other as they have done all deployment,” he said.

Cheyenne, one of the most capable fast-attack submarines in the U.S. Navy, embodies a fighting spirit whose enhanced war-fighting capabilities include vertical-launch cruise missiles, advanced sonar systems and a state of the art engine room. This sophisticated design provides Cheyenne the ability to operate in any of the world’s ocean, making the ship ready for any mission.

More important than the design of the vessel is the crew. Cheyenne’s highly trained crew is what truly makes this submarine a fierce warship. The crew’s professionalism and aptitude makes them the backbone of the submarine fleet.

 “Hooyah, Cheyenne,” exclaimed Cheyenne’s Chief of the Boat Electronic Technician Master Chief Michael Hinkle.

“It’s been a long six months and our guys have maintained their professionalism and kept the ship safe under stressful conditions. I want them to get out there and enjoy their time off with their family and friends,” he said.

Homeported in Pearl Harbor, USS Cheyenne is named after the city of Cheyenne, Wyoming. The Ship’s Sponsor Ann Simpson, wife of former Senator Alan Simpson of Wyoming, christened Cheyenne on April 1, 1995. The ship since, has lived by the city’s motto, “Live the Legend.”

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Press Release, June 18, 2013; Image: US Navy