By Kevin Copeland, Commander, Submarine Force Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Scranton (SSN 756) returned home Aug. 20 after concluding a regularly scheduled six-month deployment as part of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Strike Group.
"Scranton's highly trained crew, in keeping with its unbroken tradition of uncommon professionalism, tenacity, and pride, met or exceeded every expectation in accomplishing all tasks assigned," said Cmdr. Wesley Guinn, commanding officer. "We travelled more than 30,000 miles in some of the most treacherous underwater environments, and because of the impressive skill and enthusiasm of her crew, the submarine was underway on time every time and never missed any mission obligations."
While living up to its motto, "On Time, On Track, On Target," Scranton conducted operations in support of national security interests and maritime security operations. In executing the maritime strategy, Scranton further demonstrated the submarine force's great capability in providing global presence.
Although the deployment was a great success, the crew is happy to be home and glad to reunite with their families.
"As stressful as the separation during deployment can be, it does teach us to never take our precious families for granted," said Guinn. "The crew is uniformly excited and anxious to spend some quality time rediscovering our families again. After all, a strong family relationship at home makes a better Sailor on the ship."
During the deployment Scranton conducted port visits in Souda Bay, Crete; Bahrain and Diego Garcia.
Fast-attack submarines like Scranton have multifaceted 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.
Built by Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, Scranton was commissioned Jan. 26, 1991. It is 360 feet long, displaces 6,900 tons of water and can travel in excess of 20 knots while submerged.