The Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Charlotte (SSN 766) arrived at Fleet Activities Yokosuka Sept. 12 for a port visit as part of its deployment to the Western Pacific.
With a crew of approximately 150, Charlotte has been conducting a multitude of missions and showcasing the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet.
“The officers and crew of the Charlotte are very excited to have the opportunity to visit our friends and allies in Yokosuka, and to engage with and learn about the local community and culture,” said Cmdr. Andrew T. Miller, Charlotte’s commanding officer.
“The Charlotte’s crew has been working hard for several weeks and we’re looking forward to some well-deserved relaxation in Japan,” said Master Chief Electronics Technician, Scott A. Rossiter, Charlotte’s chief of the boat. “Over 40 percent of the crew will be visiting Japan for the first time, so I hope they use this opportunity to experience as much of the culture as possible.”
“I’m looking forward to having some liberty time in Japan,” said Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class Nathan Stanton. “We work hard onboard the ship day in and day out, and I’d like to experience all the great things Japan has to offer. I want to explore by trying new food, seeing new attractions, enjoying new scenery, and living the lifestyle of our Japanese hosts.”
Measuring more than 360 feet long and displacing more than 6,900 tons when submerged, Charlotte is one of the most advanced nuclear fast-attack submarines in the world. This submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance, tactical missile strikes against shore targets, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, and irregular warfare.
Charlotte was christened Oct. 3, 1992, at Newport News Shipbuilding by Mary McCormack, the ship’s sponsor. Charlotte was commissioned Sept. 16, 1994 in Norfolk, Va,, and arrived at its current homeport, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Nov. 17, 1995.
[mappress] Press Release, September 13, 2013