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USS La Jolla Returns From Western Pacific Deployment
Story Number: NNS040901-09
Release Date: 9/1/2004 10:19:00 AM
By Journalist 3rd Class Corwin Colbert, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- USS La Jolla (SSN 701) received a warm “aloha” as the attack submarine returned home to the Pearl Harbor Naval Station submarine piers Aug. 23 after completing a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific.
Over the last six months, the nuclear attack submarine traveled more than 34,000 nautical miles, equivalent to circling the globe three times. La Jolla conducted 11 port visits including Korea, Japan, Singapore, Saipan and Guam, and participated in five international exercises, including the multinational submarine rescue exercise Pacific Reach 2004 and operations in support of Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet.
Cmdr. Brian T. Howes, commanding officer of La Jolla, expressed his appreciation for the efforts of his crew.
"The crew performed superbly," Howes said. "As with any submarine crew, we deployed ready to take on any mission at any time, and we were able to exercise or demonstrate many of these capabilities effectively over the last six months. My crew has a lot to be proud of, and we are happy to return home to our families and friends following a successful deployment."
Chief Electronics Technician (sel.) William Clark felt the deployment was productive, and he is glad to be back.
“It was a lot of work and a lot of fun. The crew pulled it together and became closer over the last six months," he said. "As a result, we finished many qualifications. Now that I am home, I am going to spend some time with my family,” he said.
For related news, visit the Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/subpac.
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