Louisville Returns to Yokosuka During Western Pacific Deployment
The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Louisville (SSN 724) arrived at Fleet Activities Yokosuka Feb. 19, for a port visit during its deployment to the Western Pacific.
This was the second port visit for Louisville’s crew of 140 during its current deployment.
“They have excelled in every task assigned and have demonstrated that Louisville is ready for any assignment,” said Cmdr. Bob Figgs, commanding officer of Louisville. “I could not be prouder of their accomplishments. I know that my officers and crew are looking forward to some well deserved liberty and are glad to be back in Yokosuka.”
Measuring more than 360 feet long and weighing more than 6,000 tons when submerged, Louisville is one of the most modern attack submarines in the world. The submarine’s stealth, mobility, endurance, and firepower allow this covert, multi-mission platform to operate independently or in conjunction with a carrier strike group or joint forces to support the interests of the United States wherever and whenever needed.
“Our time on deployment has given the crew a significant sense of accomplishment and has rewarded all the hard work and energy spent preparing themselves and Louisville for this deployment,” said Command Master Chief Fire Larry Williams, the command master chief of Louisville. “Our crew’s ability to pull together as a team in the fast-paced environment of a fast-attack submarine has led to our success. I am excited for the crew to be able to have some liberty again in Yokosuka; this deployment has enabled our crew to do what a lot of them joined the Navy to do: see overseas countries and represent the U.S. Navy well.”
For one of Louisville’s crew, this visit to Yokosuka will provide the opportunity to realize a lifelong dream.
“Ever since I was a little kid I’ve been a big fan of Pokemon,” said Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Austin Bruns, of Rapid City, South Dakota, referencing the popular Japanese trading card game and television series. “I’ve always wanted to travel to Tokyo and visit the Pokemon Center, and this trip ought to give me a chance to not only check that off my ‘bucket list’, but to buy some great memorabilia.”
Louisville is the fourth U.S. ship to be named for Louisville, Kentucky. Commissioned on Nov. 8, 1986, at Naval Submarine Base New London, Connecticut; Louisville is the 35th nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine of the Los Angeles class. Louisville is currently homeported at Hawaii’s Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
150219-N-ED185-109 FLEET ACTIVITIES YOKOSUKA, Japan (Feb. 19, 2015) – Sailors aboard the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Louisville (SSN 724) observe the shifting of colors at Fleet Activities Yokosuka during a regular scheduled port visit. The scheduled visit is part of Louisville’s Western Pacific deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian G. Reynolds/ Released)
