USS Hawaii Returns from Western Pacific Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ronald Gutridge, COMSUBPAC Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- The Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776) returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam after a scheduled six-month deployment to the Western Pacific region, Feb. 24.

"I could not be more proud of my crew. They are highly motivated and performed flawlessly in all respects on this deployment," said Cmdr. Steve Mack, USS Hawaii commanding officer. "The experience we gained operating our submarine for six months forward-deployed demonstrates our capabilities for extended operations and the flexibility, endurance and mobility of these mighty warships."

Over the course of the deployment Hawaii accomplished all assigned tasking including theater and national level activities, participated in Valiant Shield 2010, and conducted operations with the Abraham Lincoln Strike Group. The deployment also included port visits to Yokosuka, Japan, Pusan, South Korea, and Singapore in support of 7th Fleet's commitment to growing maritime partnerships and an enduring commitment to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

Hawaii departed Pearl Harbor Aug 25, 2010, on her maiden Western Pacific deployment, the first for the Virginia class, with 136 Sailors onboard, many of which were experiencing their first Navy deployment. The crew experienced the dynamic operational environment of the Western Pacific and returned with a wealth of submarine experience and advanced qualifications. They were also very successful at professional development with 25 returning to homeport advanced to the next pay grade and 10 that became submarine qualified and are now authorized to wear the Submarine Warfare insignia or "Dolphins"

"Hawaii exceeded all expectations and demonstrated the myriad capabilities the Virginia-class submarine brings to the challenging Western Pacific environment and has set the stage for the success of future Virginia-class deployments," said Mack.

Measuring 377 feet long and weighing 7,800 tons when submerged, Hawaii is one of the Navy's newest and most technologically sophisticated submarines.

The state-of-the-art submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions,including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare and mine warfare.

First Virginia-class Dry Dock Conducted

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PHNSY & IMF), a Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) field activity, dry docked USS Hawaii (SSN 776), March 30.

Hawaii is the first U.S. Pacific fleet Virginia-class submarine to go into dry dock at Pearl Harbor, one of NAVSEA's four public shipyards playing a major role in maintaining America's fleet. The ship will undergo routine inspection and maintenance in the shipyard until early May.

"The entire shipyard was very excited to dry dock USS Hawaii, and validate the hard work and dedication of the many people involved in this evolution," said Shipyard Commander Capt. Greg Thomas. "The successful execution was the fruit of their labor, earned from careful and relentless preparation."

The shipyard has been researching, planning and training for dry-docking evolutions since June 2008. Because Virginia-class submarines pose unique challenges that make docking the modern vessels more complicated than Los Angeles-class ships, the shipyard put together a special project team strictly dedicated to Hawaii's dry docking.

The project team underwent extensive preparations to safely and efficiently dry dock Hawaii. First, the shipyard conducted a realistic Virginia class mock docking availability in August 2008, followed by an evaluation session to capture lessons learned from the exercise. Several weeks prior to the docking, two all-trades conferences were held, instead of the usual single conference.

"The extra pre-trades conference was an above-and-beyond effort put forth for Virginia-class docking," said Cmdr. Leonard Laforteza, PHNSY & IMF's Virginia-class program manager. "It was important to address all the potential issues."

Dry docking Hawaii also provided a model for future repair work in the shipyard on Virginia-class submarines.

Hawaii, which arrived at Pearl Harbor last July, is the first submarine to be homeported in Pearl Harbor, and the first commissioned U.S. Navy vessel to bear the name of the Aloha State. Hawaii represents the very latest in submarine technology and capability, featuring an advanced combat control system; sensors; improved surveillance, reconnaissance capabilities; and special operations forces capabilities.

Pearl Harbor Welcomes Multi-Mission Capable USS Hawaii Home

Sailors man the rails aboard the Virginia-class attack submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776) as she pulls into her new homeport at Naval Station Pearl Harbor. USS Hawaii is the third Virginia-class submarine constructed and the first submarine to bear the name of the Aloha state. Hawaii is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, irregular warfare, and mine warfare. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Stirrup/Released)

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- USS Hawaii (SSN 776), the first Virginia-class submarine to be homeported in the Pacific, arrived July 23 to a warm local style welcome that reflected Hawaii's diverse cultural heritage at the submarine piers at Naval Station Pearl Harbor.

The state's namesake submarine has made Hawaii its home during the 50th Anniversary of Statehood Commemoration activities.

More than 200 people took advantage of the opportunity to view USS Hawaii from the Ford Island seaplane ramp as the submarine sailed into Pearl Harbor, and many more lined the banks of the naval station near Hospital Point and along Hickam Air Force Base. Guest of honor was the ship's sponsor, Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle, who briefly boarded USS Hawaii via a small boat prior to the ceremony to greet the crew and raise the Hawaii State Flag aboard the namesake submarine.

At the Sierra Nine pier next to Submarine Force Pacific headquarters, family members of the crew and invited guests enjoyed the ceremony preceding the arrival, which featured a Hawaii Air National Guard flyover and participation by the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band, the Kamehameha Alumni Glee Club, Halau Hula Olana Ai performing a hula, Kahuna Pule Ganotise providing a traditional Hawaiian blessing and a haka by Pa Ku'i a Lua. Once the brow was across, the crew debarked into the arms of their loved ones, who had not seen the crew since USS Hawaii's departure from Groton, Conn., in May.

Shortly after the ceremony, families and crew of USS Hawaii were treated to a reception, hosted by the Navy League of the United States Honolulu Council at historic Lockwood Hall aboard the naval station. Danny Kaleikini sang the National Anthem and Hawai'i Pono'i.

"Today is a very important beginning for the people of Hawaii, the crew of the fine submarine USS Hawaii, the submarine force, and the U.S. Pacific Fleet," said Rear Adm. Douglas McAneny, commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

"We recognize that without the support of the great people of the state of Hawaii, we cannot succeed day in and day out with the mission our country asks us to do."

"Officially today, I welcome you and your families as members of our ohana," said Lingle. "I am honored to serve as this ship's sponsor, and I have been with you every step of your journey home. Today you start a new tradition, while building a more secure future for our country."

"I know I speak for the officers and crew of the USS Hawaii, when I say, 'wow!'" said Cmdr. Edward Herrington, the submarine's commanding officer. "I felt a little like a rock star today. All the people on the shoreline cheering you along, the governor coming out on the boat and the fly over; it was fantastic."

Measuring 377 feet long, weighing 7,800 tons when submerged and with a complement of more than 130 crew members, Hawaii is one of the Navy's newest and most technologically sophisticated submarines.

The state-of-the-art submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare and mine warfare.

Commissioned May 5, 2007, Hawaii was the third Virginia-class attack submarine constructed and the first submarine to be named after the 50th state. During her maiden deployment, USS Hawaii became only the second Naval submarine in history to receive the U.S. Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Citation for her efforts in support of Joint Interagency Task Force South counter-drug operations.

Recognizing the importance of the Asia-Pacific region and the increased threat posed by the proliferation of submarines in the Pacific, the 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review mandated that 60 percent of the U.S. Navy's submarines be homeported in the Pacific by the end of 2010.

USS Hawaii joins five Los Angeles-class submarines assigned to Pearl Harbor-based Submarine Squadron 1, commanded by Capt. Lee Hankins. In addition to the USS Hawaii, the Virginia-class submarine USS Texas (SSN 775) will transfer from Groton, Conn., to Submarine Squadron 1 this fall, and Los Angeles-class USS Albuquerque (SSN 706) will transfer from Groton, Conn., to Submarine Squadron 11 in San Diego later this summer. By the end of 2009, 31 of the U.S. Navy's 53 fast attack submarines will be homeported in the Pacific, with 18 of those 31 home ported in Pearl Harbor. COMSUBPAC officially announced the impending arrival of Virginia-class submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776) to Pearl Harbor in December 2008.

Virginia-Class Sub Bound for Pearl Harbor

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Luciano Marano, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs



PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- The commander of Submarine Force, U.S Pacific Fleet (SUBPAC) announced Dec. 4 USS Hawaii (SSN 776) will be the first Virginia-class submarine to be homeported at Naval Station Pearl Harbor this summer.

"SUBPAC is thrilled to be welcoming the most technologically advanced submarine in the U.S. inventory to our ohana," said Rear Adm. Douglas McAneny, commander, Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet

"Virginia-class submarines like USS Hawaii are the first to be designed post-Cold War to excel in the littorals, while maintaining the ability to conduct open-ocean operations, which will directly support my ability to meet and defeat threats to maritime security in the Pacific."

Commissioned May 5, 2007, Hawaii was the third Virginia-class attack submarine constructed and the first submarine to be named after the island state. Her crew will represent its namesake state, as they continue to build upon already sustained relationships with multinational partners in the Asia-Pacific Region.

Adm. Robert Willard, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, was eager to take advantage of the capabilities USS Hawaii will bring to the Pacific.

"USS Hawaii represents our very newest technologies and advancements in submarine design and capability," said Willard. "These boats contribute to a great deal of what we do to maritime security, to the employment of our special operations forces and all dimensions of warfare in the Pacific."

Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle, the submarine's sponsor, was also pleased with the announcement of USS Hawaii's new homeport.

"As governor, I am elated the USS Hawaii (SSN 776) will make Pearl Harbor [her] home," said Lingle.

"This fabulous journey began with the keel laying in 2004, continued with the christening in 2006 and the proud day of commissioning in 2007. As the submarine's sponsor, watching our submarine be 'brought to life' has been an honor and a privilege. Now, to have our namesake submarine call Hawaii home is the culmination of an important and exciting venture. I look forward to welcoming the entire crew and the families to our state."

Measuring 377-feet long, weighing 7,800 tons when submerged and with a complement of more than 130 crew members, Hawaii is one of the Navy's newest and most technologically sophisticated submarines.

Hawaii conducted her first operational deployment prior to its post-shakedown availability, demonstrating the Virginia-class program's capability to immediately support the fleet.

Hawaii's U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye reflected on the importance of having USS Hawaii in the Aloha State.

"It is indeed fitting that the first Virginia-class submarine to arrive into Pearl Harbor will be the USS Hawaii," said Inouye.

"I have no doubt that the men and women of the shipyard will ensure that she is fit and remains fit to fight today and in the years to follow. The USS Hawaii will be a national security beacon throughout the Asia-Pacific region. I wish its crew Godspeed and calm seas."

Hawaii is a state-of-the-art submarine capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, strike group support, and mine warfare. She will join the force of 15 Los Angeles-class submarines presently homeported in Pearl Harbor.

Navy Commissions USS Hawaii

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Ira J. Elinson, Naval Submarine Base New London Public Affairs

Under clear blue New England skies, the Navy’s newest attack submarine, USS Hawaii (SSN 776) was commissioned May 5 on the Thames River at Naval Submarine Base New London, in Groton, Conn.

The ceremony, complete with hula dancers, war canoes, and leis, brought North Shore flavor to the shores of New England. Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle, sponsor of Hawaii, spoke the words that the Navy, and especially the crew, had waited to hear since its christening in June 2006. In a time-honored Navy tradition, Lingle directed, “Man our ship and bring her to life!”

The third submarine of the Virginia class, SSN 776 recognizes the tremendous support the Navy has enjoyed from the people of the Aloha State and honors the rich heritage of submarines in the Pacific theater.

“Most people, when they hear the word Hawaii, they immediately conjure up pictures of beautiful beaches, lovely dancers and moonlit nights,” said Hawaii Sen. Daniel K. Inouye. “Hawaii is all that and more: Our sons and daughters have participated in every war since we became part of the United States.”

“While most of the Western Pacific is, for the most part free, ships like Hawaii and the men who serve on her will help ensure that freedom for future generations,” said Adm. Gary Roughead, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, as he delivered the ceremony’s principal address.

Hawaii has improved stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and special warfare enhancements that will enable it to meet the Navy’s multi-mission requirements. Hawaii’s capabilities include: anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, special forces delivery and support, and covert mine warfare. In addition to these mission areas, Hawaii will be able to strike targets ashore with precision Tomahawk cruise missiles and conduct covert long-term surveillance of land areas, coastal waters or other maritime forces. With enhanced communications connectivity, the submarine also will provide unique, fully-integrated strike group and joint task force support.

"People who tour the ship speak of the technology, computer displays and fiber optics,” said Lingle, “but it is the spirit of its Sailors that makes this ship great.”

Capt. David A. Solms, a native of Colorado Springs, Colo., is the ship’s commanding officer, leading a crew of approximately 134 officers and enlisted personnel.

The 7,800-ton Hawaii was built by the shipbuilder team of General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, Conn., and Northrop Grumman Newport News, Va. The submarine is 377 feet in length, has a beam of 34 feet, and can operate at more than 25 knots submerged. Hawaii is designed with a reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship – reducing lifecycle costs while increasing underway time.

Hawaii will complete a post-commissioning shakedown period and continue readying for its first deployment from Naval Submarine Base New London. The ship will eventually be homeported in Hawaii in 2009.