Submarine USS Topeka Departs for Six-month Deployment

From Commander, Submarine Squadron 11 Public Affairs

NAVAL BASE POINT LOMA, Calif. (NNS) -- USS Topeka (SSN 754) deployed from Naval Base Point Loma for a scheduled six-month western Pacific deployment March 6.

The Los Angeles-class, fast-attack submarine's deployment is in support of the Chief of Naval Operations' Maritime Strategy. Topeka's missions will focus on maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts, which help establish conditions for regional stability.

The deployment is part of an ongoing rotation of deployed forces to support maritime security operations and operations in international waters around the globe, working with other coalition maritime forces. During the past few months, Topeka has conducted several training exercises off the coast of California and is fully prepared to deploy.

"The Topeka crew and families have been hard at work to ensure the ship is fully prepared to execute all tasking during the deployment," said Cmdr. Jim Belz, commanding officer of Topeka. "A successful deployment is a culmination of a team effort of dedicated personnel on and off the ship. Every crew member is looking forward to the challenges of the deployment and to safely returning in the fall and reuniting with our supportive families."

USS Topeka is home to approximately 140 crew members. Topeka was commissioned Oct. 21, 1989 and is named in honor of Topeka, Kansas.

USS Topeka Arrives at HMAS Stirling, Australia

The attack submarine USS Topeka (SSN 754) departs San Diego harbor for a scheduled deployment to the western Pacific Ocean. Topeka, commanded by Cmdr. Marc Stern, was commissioned on Oct. 21, 1989 and is one of seven Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines assigned to Submarine Squadron 11. Topeka was showcased in the recently released movie, "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen." (U.S. Navy photo by Command Master Chief Charles Grandin/Released)

By Ensign Tucker Taylor, USS Topeka Public Affairs

STIRLING, Australia (NNS) -- USS Topeka (SSN 754) arrived at HMAS Stirling, Australia for a scheduled port visit Aug. 12.

"The Australian-American relationship is very important, and visiting HMAS Stirling gives us the opportunity to strengthen that relationship," said Cmdr. Marc Stern, USS Topeka commanding officer.

Topeka recently participated in Submarine Command Course (SCC) operations, a joint effort with the Royal Australian Navy. The exercises, which also featured the Australian submarine HMAS Farncomb, aid in the development of future submarine commanding officers of both navies. Before SCC operations, Topeka participated in exercise SHAREM off the east coast of Australia with the Royal Australian and Royal Canadian Navies.

"Our visit to HMAS Stirling serves as an example of the positive relationship that exists between the United States and Australia, as well as emphasizing our shared dedication to supporting regional stability," remarked Stern. "Australia is one of our closest allies in the Pacific, and this friendship is a key element of peace and stability in the region."

Topeka is homeported at San Diego. Topeka currently serves under Commander, Submarine Group 7, headquartered at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan.

USS Topeka Returns Home

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Omar A. Dominquez, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific



USS Topeka (SSN 754) returned home to Naval Base Point Loma, April 16, after a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific (WESTPAC).

The Los Angeles-class submarine conducted missions throughout the WESTPAC region. Sailors also enjoyed port visits to Yokosuka and Okinawa, Japan, Guam and the Philippines.

"The crew could not have performed any better," said Cmdr. Marc A. Stern, Topeka's commanding officer. "They rose to the occasion in every mission that we were asked to do."

Family and friends waited on the pier with flags and signs to welcome their Sailors home.

"The deployment was long, but it was very successful," said Davis. "It feels great to be back to see my family. It feels like I won the lottery," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (SS/FMF) Keith Davis whose wife was waiting to welcome him home.