The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Key West (SSN 722) arrived in Phuket, Thailand, and moored alongside the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) for a visit as part of its Western Pacific deployment May 14.
During the visit USS Emory S. Land conducted a tended mooring with USS Key West.
Additionally, the tender will be proofing a new procedure for fender deployments which will provide more flexible future operational capabilities. Fenders provide a buffer between the tender and the tended unit to ensure the safety of both vessels.
Though forward deployed from Guam, this was the Key West’s first stop in Phuket since shifting home ports and the anticipation amongst the 160 man crew was palpable.
Measuring more than 360 feet long and displacing more than 6,900 tons when submerged, Key West remains one of the stealthiest, most formidable submarines in the world.
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Image: US Navy