Friends and family of Sailors aboard the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Albuquerque (SSN 706) welcomed home Albuquerque’s crew Aug. 21 following a seven-month deployment to the Western Pacific.
The deployment supported the nation’s Maritime Strategy, which includes maritime security, forward presence, sea control, and power projection.
During the deployment, Albuquerque executed missions vital to national security and participated in U.S. and multinational naval exercises. The ship visited Yokosuka, Thailand, Sasebo and Saipan while traveling more than 30,000 nautical miles during the course of its deployment.
“I’m tremendously proud of what the crew accomplished over the last seven months,” said Cmdr. Chris Cavanaugh, Albuquerque’s commanding officer. “We have demonstrated the full range of submarine capabilities and participated in several exercises with our Japanese and Thai allies. We also had several memorable port visits and special events, including the ship’s 1,000th dive and 30th birthday.”
Albuquerque was commissioned May 21, 1983. Measuring more than 360 feet long and displacing more than 6,900 tons, Albuquerque has a crew of nearly 140 Sailors. Albuquerque is capable of supporting various missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, surveillance, and reconnaissance. [mappress] Press Release, August 22, 2013; Image: Navy