USS Memphis to Decommission

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- The Navy will hold a decommissioning ceremony for Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Memphis (SSN 691) aboard Naval Submarine Base (NSB) New London, Conn., April 1.

All current and former crew members, their families, and friends are invited to attend activities connected to this historic event.

USS Memphis was commissioned Dec. 17, 1977, and became an Atlantic Fleet operational asset as part of Submarine Squadron 8 in Norfolk, Va., in 1978. Four years later, Memphis completed a "round-the-world" cruise via the Panama Canal, including operations with both the 6th and 7th fleets.

In January 1994, Memphis entered Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for refueling overhaul and equipment modifications, providing the world's most-advanced sonar, signal processing and fire control technology.

Several modifications were performed to enhance the ship's ability to accommodate major and multiple research and development projects. Upon completion of the overhaul in July 1996, Memphis was attached to Submarine Development Squadron 12 aboard NSB New London.

Fast-attack submarines like Memphis have multi-faceted missions. They use their stealth, persistence, agility and firepower to deploy and support special force operations, disrupt and destroy an adversary's military and economic operations at sea, provide early strike from close proximity, and ensure undersea superiority.