The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Tucson (SSN 770) returned from a deployment to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on March 7.
Tucson successfully completed a six-month Western Pacific deployment while conducting operations in support of national security.
This deployment was the first for more than 40 percent of Tucson’s crew. During the deployment, 28 officers and sailors earned their submarine warfare qualification “dolphins” and 21 sailors advanced in rank.
While deployed, Tucson conducted port calls in Tokyo, as well as Chinhae, South Korea.
“We had a very successful port call to Chinhae. The crew enjoyed some outstanding liberty and it gave us the opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the US and the Republic of Korea,” Lt. Garret Allen , from Wimberley, Texas, said.
Upon returning to Pearl Harbor, Master Chief Electronics Technician (Navigation) Juan Gonzalez , from Houston, and Tucson’s chief of the boat, commended the crew for their hard work and dedication to completing a successful deployment.
“In my 26 years in the navy, it never ceases to amaze me how young sailors can band together and thrive as a whole to complete difficult missions and tasks,” Gonzalez commented.
Tucson is the second ship of the US Navy to bear the name of the Arizona city. It is the 59th Los Angeles-class attack submarine and the 20th of the improved Los Angeles-class attack submarine to be built. Twelve vertical-launch missile tubes for Tomahawk cruise missiles provide Tucson with great offensive capability. Retractable bow planes give the ship increased maneuverability and under ice surfacing potential.