USS Key West home from Western Pacific tasking

US Navy’s Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Key West (SSN 722) returned to Apra Harbor, Guam, on December 15, after four months of operations in the Western Pacific.

Key West, under the command of Cmdr. J. Grady Hill, is returning from the US 7th Fleet area of responsibility, where the crew participated in theater anti-submarine warfare and multiple joint exercises.

During the four months, Key West conducted a brief port visit to Yokosuka, Japan, allowing the crew to rest and resupply.

Key West celebrated the various achievements of its crew members in their professional development.

“We had 16 Sailors earn their submarine warfare qualifications, 22 crew members frocked to the next paygrade and three officer promoted,” said Command Master Chief Eric Baker, Key West chief of the boat.

Key West conducted routine patrols throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region in support of maritime security operations that promote stability while maintaining key partnerships with allies across the region.

Key West was commissioned Sept. 12, 1987, and is the third ship of the US Navy named for the city of Key West, Florida.