Thursday, January 31, 2008

Miami Returns From Deployment

By Lt. James Stockman, Commander Submarine Force Public Affiars

The nuclear-powered attack submarine USS Miami (SSN 755) steams through the Arabian Sea along with the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65), Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 6), and the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64). Miami is underway on a scheduled deployment as part of the Kearsarge Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG). Enterprise and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 are deployed in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom and maritime security operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kiona M. Mckissack)

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- USS Miami (SSN 755) returned to Naval Submarine Base New London, Jan. 29, after completing a six-month deployment.

Miami completed a wide range of joint requirements supporting national security and Maritime Security Operations in the U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility while attached to the Kearsarge Expeditionary Strike Group.

"We successfully accomplished a variety of valuable missions," said Cmdr. Rich Bryant, Miami's commanding officer. "The crew made it all happen and they deserve all the credit."

Miami traveled more than 22,000 nautical miles, visited four continents, made six port calls and traveled south of the equator during their deployment.

"Miami has one of the highest morale and motivated crews on the New London waterfront," said Capt. Rick Breckenridge, submarine squadron 4 commodore. "Cmdr. Bryant treats his crew with respect and they have responded with tremendous dedication and effort."

That kind of enthusiasm helped Miami earn Submarine Squadron 4's Battle Efficiency "E" award while on this deployment. The Battle "E" is awarded annually to commands that display the maximum condition of readiness, and for their capability to perform their wartime responsibilities.

With stealth, persistence, agility and firepower, fast-attack submarines like Miami are multi-mission capable –able to deploy and support special forces operations, disrupt and destroy an adversary's military and economic operations at sea, provide early strike from close proximity and ensure undersea superiority.