USS Key West Returns to Pearl Harbor

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ronald Gutridge

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Los Angeles-class fast-attack nuclear powered submarine USS Key West (SSN 772) returned to Naval Station Pearl Harbor Dec. 10 following a six-month deployment to the western Pacific region.

"Key West had a very successful deployment and completed several missions of vital importance, which included a trilateral exercise with the Japanese Maritime Defense Force and the Royal Australian Navy," said Cmdr. Robert Koonce, commanding officer, Key West. "The crew was very motivated while conducting these joint forward deployed operations, honing their skills at anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare and navigation."

"Deployment is always such a great time for Sailors to accomplish additional watch standing and warfare qualifications, with 14 crew members qualifying to wear the submarine warfare insignia during this deployment," said Koonce. "Many of our junior Sailors were making their first deployment, and this experience will set the foundation for their Navy career."

Key West is the third ship to be named for the Florida city. The contract to build her was awarded to Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in Newport News, Virginia on August 13, 1981, and her keel was laid down on July 6, 1983. She was launched on July 20, 1985, sponsored by Virginia Conn, and commissioned on Sept. 12, 1987 with Cmdr. Warren Lipscomb Jr. in command.
The ship was the fourth Los Angeles-class submarine equipped with the vertical launch system capable of carrying 12 Tomahawk land attack cruise missiles. Key West completed numerous Cold War deployments and supported operations in the Caribbean, Western Atlantic, Mediterranean and Pacific regions.

Key West Returns from Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Hight, USS Key West Public Affairs

Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Key West (SSN 722) returned to its homeport of Pearl Harbor on Aug. 28, following a seven-month deployment to the Western Pacific.

The Key West left Pearl Harbor in January to support U.S. commitments in the Western Pacific and to strengthen foreign U.S. relations.

“It is overwhelming to be home,” said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class David Quintero after receiving the ceremonial first kiss. “There are so many emotions and so much joy.”

Cmdr. Thomas Ishee, Key West’s commanding officer, said the deployment was a great success because of the pride and professionalism of the crew.

“They did a fantastic job,” he said. “They are the finest crew that I have had the pleasure of serving with.”

In addition to producing four new chief petty officers and 35 submarine warfare specialists, Key West conducted multiple community relations in Japan and Hong Kong and participated in six national and theater-specific operations.

Key West is the 35th Los Angeles-class submarine and was commissioned Sept. 12, 1987, at Naval Base, Norfolk. It transferred to its homeport in Pearl Harbor in July 1996.