The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776) returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on March 10, after completing a deployment to the Western Pacific.
Hawaii returned home with a new second in charge, as Lt. Cmdr. Charles Phillips relieved Lt. Cmdr. Mark Robinson as executive officer of Hawaii in a pre-scheduled relief during the deployment.
During the deployment, 23 Sailors and six officers earned their designation as qualified in submarines and now wear their coveted “dolphin” warfare insignia.
Additionally, 18 Sailors advanced in rank and five Sailors were initiated into the chiefs’ mess.
During the seven-month deployment, Hawaii strengthened relations with multiple countries taking part in maritime exercises and conducted port visits to Stirling, Australia, and the cities of Yokosuka and Sasebo in Japan.
Upon her return from deployment, the “War Canoe,” as the crew calls her, sailed to the historic submarine piers of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
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Image: US Navy