USS Annapolis Visits US Naval Academy

By Lt. Patrick Evans, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (NNS) -- Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Annapolis (SSN 760) visited the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, Md., Oct. 24-25 as part of the school's homecoming activities.

During the visit, crew members attended Navy's homecoming football game.

In addition, USNA Midshipmen and the public received tours of the submarine, which was anchored in the Chesapeake Bay.

"The best part about this is giving the Midshipmen an opportunity to visit the ship," said Capt. Michael P. Holland, commanding officer of Annapolis. "This gives the Midshipmen an opportunity to make an informed decision on their career choices."

Each year, the Navy tries to bring ships to the academy for homecoming weekend.

As part of the Annapolis' visit, the submarine's sponsor, Myra "Micky" Kauderer, called on the boat's crew members to attend a reception hosted by the Navy League.

The Annapolis' visit to USNA was not the only college connection the ship made in 2009.

In April 2009, the crew of Annapolis helped Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., keep a promise to honor two heroes and promote diversity during Ice Exercise (ICEX) 2009.

Annapolis took a glass case of memorabilia to the North Pole in April 2009 to commemorate the historic expedition of Rear Admiral Robert E. Peary and Matthew A. Henson to the top of the world, which took place April 6, 1909. The commemorative case, compiled by Harvard University, contained an American flag and bible, similar to ones taken during the original expedition and books by Peary and Henson.

Annapolis, named in honor of the capital city of Maryland, is a Los Angeles-class submarine, which is considered the backbone of the submarine force with 45 submarine now in commission.

Attack submarines like Annapolis are designed to seek and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; project power ashore with Tomahawk cruise missiles and special operation forces; carry out intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions; support carrier strike groups; and engage in mine warfare.