Submarine USS Jefferson City Returns from Deployment

NAVAL BASE POINT LOMA, Calif. (NNS) -- Friends and families of Sailors aboard Los Angeles-class, fast-attack submarine USS Jefferson City (SSN 759) welcomed home the submarine and its crew today following a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific.

The deployment supported the Maritime Strategy, which includes maritime security, forward presence, sea control and power projection.

During the deployment, Jefferson City covered more than 30,000 nautical miles and executed missions vital to national security. Jefferson City also participated in U.S. and multinational naval exercises.

"Jefferson City enjoyed a tremendously productive and rewarding deployment in support of U.S. national interests in the Middle East. Making our deployment even more valuable, Jefferson City deployed with some unique capabilities," said Jefferson City Commanding Officer Cmdr. Brien Dickson. "The crew's phenomenal initiative and tireless dedication enabled the ship to aggressively execute her assignments and overcome numerous challenges."

Additionally, while deployed, 14 crew members reenlisted, 12 obtained their Submarine Warfare Pin and 26 crew members were promoted.

"I am very proud of the crew and their accomplishments. I'm also especially thankful for the support of the entire Jefferson City extended family that faithfully supported their Sailors throughout the extended deployment," said Dickson.

Jefferson City is home to approximately 130 crew members. Jefferson City was commissioned Feb. 29, 1992, and is named in honor of Jefferson City, Mo. Jefferson City is one of six Los Angeles-class, fast-attack submarines homeported in San Diego.

USS Jefferson City Returns Home

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chelsea J. Kennedy, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific
Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Jefferson City (SSN 759) returns to homeport in Point Loma, Calif., after a six-month Western Pacific deployment. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Cale Bentley (Released)

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Jefferson City (SSN 759) returned home to Naval Base Point Loma, March 10, after a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific.

The submarine conducted a number of missions throughout the Western Pacific region. Sailors also enjoyed port visits to Yokosuka and Sasebo, Japan, Guam and Saipan.

"It's great to be home; everyone is really excited," said Cmdr. John Zimmerman, Jefferson City commanding officer. "The guys have worked really hard the last six months. Nothing beats coming back to San Diego and being with our families."

Zimmerman added that the crew experienced many challenges, including navigating through a hurricane, but the well-trained crew succeeded in every mission.

There was a large crowd of friends and family waving flags and holding signs to greet their Sailors marching down the pier in formation.

"It's hard. There are days that you want to cry," said the wife of Sonar Technician (Submarine) 3rd Class (SS) Francisco Munoz. "What he's doing is amazing. I don't know very many people that have the courage to actually go out there and do things like this."