BUSAN, Republic of Korea – The Virginia-class attack submarine USS Mississippi (SSN 782) arrived at Busan for a routine visit as part of its maiden deployment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific, June 13.
With a crew of approximately 141 Sailors, Mississippi will conduct a multitude of missions while maintaining proficiency of the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet.
“This port call to Busan is a great opportunity,” said Cmdr. Eric Rozek, Mississippi’s Commanding Officer. “The visit allows the crew to contact their loved ones back home following several weeks at sea. At the same time, my Sailors will also get the unique opportunity to experience the heritage, culture and history of Korea and continue to strengthen our relationship with one of our Western Pacific partners.”
Mississippi’s visit is essential to the strengthening and broadening of the U.S. and Republic of Korea bilateral relationship, while expanding on the existing strong Navy-to-Navy bond. While inport, Sailors assigned to the submarine will volunteer some of their off-duty hours in support of a joint military-to-military community relations engagement, which include recreation activities with children from a local orphanage and facility maintenance.
For many of the crew members, this is their first time traveling outside of the U.S.
“I’m extremely excited to visit Busan,” said Culinary Specialist Third Class Adam E. Esaw, a 21-year-old native of Sarasota, Florida. “I’m looking forward to immersing myself in the South Korean culture and experiencing the indigenous food and local market life.”
Measuring more than 360 feet long and displacing approximately 7,000 tons when submerged, Mississippi is the one of the most technologically advanced and stealthiest submarines in the world, and has the capabilities of supporting a multitude of missions. She adds tremendous capabilities from the undersea domain to provide the United States and allies and partners with anti-submarine, anti-surface, strike, naval special warfare involving special operations forces and mine warfare.