USS Tucson Departs for Western Pacific Deployment

PEARL HARBOR (Sept. 5, 2013) The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Tucson (SSN 770), foreground, passes the Virginia-class attack submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776) as Tucson departs Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for a deployment to the western Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Steven Khor/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Steven Khor, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S.
Pacific Fleet

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Family and friends bid farewell on the submarine piers on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam as the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Tucson (SSN 770) departed Sept. 5, for a deployment to the Western Pacific region.

Tucson's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Ted O'Harrah said the submarine and her crew are excited to get underway to have the opportunity to operate forward deployed in support of national objectives.

"I am very proud of Tucson's crew for the hard work and dedication they have shown in preparing for an overseas deployment," said O'Harrah.

O'Harrah said of the 133 Sailors who will be deploying, just over half of the Sailors will be on their first deployment.

O'Harrah said Tucson's goal is to safely and effectively conduct coordinated operations to help establish conditions for regional stability. Throughout the deployment, the crew will train to improve skills, knowledge and experience.

O'Harrah added that he is grateful to the crew's family and friends because without their support and sacrifice, Tucson could not be successful.

Tucson is the second ship of the United States Navy to bear the name of the Arizona city. It is the 59th Los Angeles-class attack submarine and the 20th of the improved Los Angeles-class attack submarine to be built. Twelve vertical launch missile tubes for Tomahawk cruise missiles provide Tucson with great offensive capability. Retractable bow planes give the ship increased maneuverability and under ice surfacing potential.

USS Tucson Conducts Western Pacific Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ronald Gutridge, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Friends and families of the crew from the USS Tucson (SSN 770) gathered at the submarine piers on board Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to say goodbye as the Los Angeles-class submarine departed for a scheduled western Pacific deployment Dec. 14.

"The Tucson crew is excited to get to sea and deploy to support the theater commander's tasking," said Cmdr. James O'Harrah, Tucson commanding officer. "We look forward to being superb ambassadors as we visit our allies in the region and hope to strengthen the critical partnerships that our country has there."

This is Tucson's second western Pacific deployment since she underwent a 23-month depot modernization period at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, Va., that included upgrades in all of her electronic systems, a complete overhaul of all machinery systems and a full external refurbishing. During that time she conducted numerous sea trials and a port visit in San Diego before conducting an inter-fleet transfer back to Naval Station Pearl Harbor in 2008.

"Tucson is in fantastic condition thanks to the combined work of the Pearl Harbor team," said O'Harrah. "I appreciate the support of Submarine Squadron 7, Naval Submarine Support Center and the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard Fleet Maintenance Activity-Submarine."

Culinary Specialist Seaman Jacob Foreman, who joined the Navy May 4, 2011 and recently reported to Tucson Dec. 1, describes his feelings about his first deployment as "excited and apprehensive."

"I believe that this being my first deployment will truly show me what the Navy really is about," said Foreman. "With the small amount of time I have been on board Tucson, I am a little overwhelmed on how much there is to learn, but I have confidence that my fellow shipmates will assist me in starting my submarine training and gaining the experience of a deployment. I am also excited about visiting foreign ports and seeing the world."

Tucson is the second ship of the United States Navy to bear the name of the Arizona city. It is the 59th Los Angeles-class attack submarine and the 20th of the improved Los Angeles-class attack submarine to be built. Twelve vertical launch missile tubes for Tomahawk cruise missiles provide Tucson with great offensive capability. Retractable bow planes give the ship increased maneuverability and under ice surfacing potential.

USS Tucson Departs for Western Pacific Deployment

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class submarine USS Tucson (SSN 770) departed Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for a scheduled deployment to the western Pacific region April 8.

"The crew is very excited and eager to get this submarine underway for her first deployment since 2006," said Cmdr. Gary Pinkerton, USS Tucson's commanding officer. "They've all worked extremely hard this past year getting the ship and themselves ready for this deployment and regaining operational proficiency of all mission areas. I am very proud of each and every one of them."

Tucson underwent a 23-month depot modernization period at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Va., that included upgrades in all of her electronic systems in support of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, a complete overhaul of all machinery systems and a full external refurbishment. During that time, Tucson conducted numerous sea trials and a port visit to San Diego before undergoing an inter-fleet transfer back to Naval Station Pearl Harbor in 2008.

Tucson is the second ship of the U.S. Navy to bear the name of the Arizona city. It is the 59th Los Angeles-class attack submarine. Twelve vertical launch missile tubes for Tomahawk cruise missiles provide Tucson with great offensive capabilities and strategic value. Retractable bow planes give the ship increased maneuverability and under ice surfacing potential.

USS Tucson Returns to Pearl Harbor

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

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- USS Tucson (SSN 770) returned to Naval Station Pearl Harbor Monday, Dec. 15, following a 23-month absence that included a modernization period in Norfolk, numerous sea trials and a port visit in San Diego.

"Everybody is happy to be back in Pearl Harbor," said Cmdr. Paul Spear, USS Tucson commanding officer. "The homecoming aspect is nice, especially since half my crew is new and hasn't been here yet."

The submarine just completed a major overhaul in Norfolk.

"Tucson has a new fire control system and a totally refurbished engine room as well as a lot of new gear on board," said Ensign John Chester Jr., Tucson junior officer.

Tucson departed Pearl Harbor in January 2007 and has since acquired many new crew members, many of whom had never seen the submarine's homeport, having come aboard during the shipyard period.

"Coming to Hawaii is a big relief for us," said Electronics Technician Seaman (SS) Fred Saunders.
"Wherever we were, every Friday at quarters we would announce the count down to Pearl Harbor."

"I'm very excited to get to Hawaii," said Chester. "Everything new and innovative going on in the submarine force is happening on the west coast."

Prior to heading home, Tucson stopped in San Diego where the sub hosted an embark for business leaders of its namesake city, Tucson, Ariz.

"We have an excellent relationship with our namesake city," said Spear. "The mayor has come to every change of command ceremony, and our Sailor of the Year, Junior Sailor of the Year and Bluejacket of the Year all fly to Tucson for a week for some community engagement and to tour the city every year."

The final days of transit from San Diego were passed anxiously, yet productively. The entire crew took advantage of the time to conduct numerous training drills for the benefit of the junior crew members.

"The last few months have been pretty tough for us," said Saunders. "We were coming out of the shipyard and trying to get the submarine ready for sea so there were a million things to do. Things are looking up now, and everybody's ready for a slower pace for the holidays."

Awaiting the Sailors on the pier at home were excited friends, family and shipmates including Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet Rear Adm. Douglas McAneny.

"Welcome back to the Pacific, Tucson," McAneny wrote in a pre-arrival welcome message. "And well done!"

Tucson is a Los Angeles class attack submarine with approximately 125 crew members, both officer and enlisted. They have received three Battle Efficiency Awards and four Retention Excellence awards.