US Navy attack submarine returns from six-month deployment

U.S. Navy’s Los Angeles-Class fast attack submarine USS Pasadena (SSN 752) completed a six-month deployment and returned to her homeport in San Diego, March 30.

According to Cmdr. Ken Douglas, Pasadena’s commanding officer, the submarine steamed more than 40,000 miles, completed two major missions vital to national security and operated forward with several partner nations to advance security interests in the Western Pacific region.

Douglas also described some of his personal experiences from the deployment.

“The completion of this deployment was the highlight of my 24-year naval career,” said Douglas. “I could not be more proud of the crew and their performance. In the words of our forward deployed commander, Pasadena rose to every challenge and expertly completed multiple demanding submarine missions, excelling across all fronts.”

Douglas added that a major goal during the deployment was training junior sailors and getting them submarine warfare qualified. Out of a crew of 150 sailors, 52 experienced their first deployment and 26 successfully qualified to wear the submarine warfare insignia during this time.

Over the course of the deployment, Pasadena enjoyed port visits to Japan, Guam and the Marshall Islands. This gave the crew a chance to experience the lifestyles and cultures of places located around the world.