The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Houston (SSN 713) arrived at Fleet Activities Yokosuka May 8 for a visit as a part of its deployment to the Western Pacific.
With a crew of approximately 140, Houston will conduct a multitude of missions and showcase the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet.
Houston was originally designed to be a high-speed submarine escort for aircraft carrier strike groups and task forces. As an extremely versatile platform, Houston supports numerous national military objectives. Through rigorous training and exercises, she maintains the ability to carry the fight to potential enemies at sea or on land.
Measuring more than 360 feet long and weighing more than 8,000 tons when submerged, Houston is one of the largest and stealthiest submarines in the world. Houston is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare and mine warfare.
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Image: US Navy