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| YOKOSUKA, Japan (Dec. 23 2015) USS Charlotte (SSN 766) moors outboard of USS Texas (SSN 775) at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka. Commander, Submarine Group 7 provide support for submarines deployed to the 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Aaron Kakiel/ Released) |
FLEET ACTIVITIES YOKOSUKA, Japan – The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Charlotte (SSN 766) arrived at Fleet Activities Yokosuka Dec. 23, 2015 for a visit as part of its deployment to the Western Pacific.
The visit strengthens the already positive alliance between the U.S. and Japan through the crew’s interaction with the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force. It also demonstrates the Navy’s commitment to regional stability and maritime security in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.
Charlotte is on a regularly scheduled six-month deployment to the Western Pacific. Charlotte not only will conduct important missions to strengthen theater security, but will also engage with strong partners throughout the region.
“My team is very excited to have the opportunity to visit Yokosuka, experience Japan’s culture and fantastic people, and contribute to strengthening our partnership with the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force,” said Cmdr. Andrew T. Miller, commanding officer. “For me personally, it has always been a highlight of my past deployments to visit Yokosuka and receive the warm hospitality of the people of Japan.”
With a crew of approximately 150, all of Charlotte’s Sailors are eager and excited to visit Japan.
“I’m looking forward to experiencing Japan with my wife,” said Electronics Technician 2nd Class Kevin Keleher. “I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to spend time with her over the holidays, despite being deployed.”
“The officers and crew of Charlotte have been preparing for this deployment for well over a year,” said Miller. “Charlotte’s pre-deployment training included a rigorous regimen of practicing the key skill sets needed to accomplish all possible tasking. Charlotte’s team is well prepared to conduct any number of missions that could be assigned during the ship’s deployment in support of the operational and theater commander’s objectives.”
“The men of Charlotte are true professionals,” said Master Chief Electrician’s Mate James Grant, chief of the boat. “Their hard work and dedication to the mission of Charlotte has allowed the ship to perform at the highest level. The crew is greatly anticipating a port visit to Japan following a strenuous lead-up to our deployment. They are all looking forward to enjoy some time off the boat while experiencing the Japanese culture, trying new food and seeing the various attractions. Our Yokosuka port visit will allow some well-deserved rest.”
Measuring more than 360 feet long and displacing more than 6,900 tons when submerged, Charlotte is one of the most advanced nuclear fast-attack submarines in the world. This submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, surveillance and reconnaissance, strike warfare, and mine warfare. More information about this class of submarine can be found in the fact files at www.navy.mil.
Charlotte was christened on Oct. 3, 1992 at Newport News Shipbuilding by Mrs. Mary McCormack, the ship’s sponsor. Charlotte was commissioned on Sept. 16, 1994 in Norfolk, Virginia and arrived at its current homeport in Pearl Harbor Nov. 17, 1995.
For more news from Commander, Submarine Group 7, visit www.csp.navy.mil/csg7