USS Jacksonville Visits Australia During Patrol

By Ensign Nicholas Lucania, USS Jacksonville Public Affairs

STIRLING, Australia (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Jacksonville (SSN 699) arrived in Stirling, Australia, June 25 for a port visit as a part of its Western Pacific deployment.

The Jacksonville crew was excited to visit Australia. For many, this was their first time in Australia. The crew looked forward to interacting with the Royal Australian Navy and immersing in the local culture through community service projects and planned activities.

"I am really looking forward to spending time in Australia," said Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Kevin Beck. "I have never been south of the equator before. I can't wait to visit the surrounding cities, catch a game of footy and see a kangaroo."

Since departing Sepangar, Malaysia, Jacksonville has been hard at work, rapidly responding to a variety of tasking and continuing the professional development of each Sailor aboard. More than one dozen Jacksonville Sailors have earned their dolphins since departing Pearl Harbor, Hawaii - a testament to the crew's dedicated efforts.

"The crew continued to push hard during the second leg of deployment and Jacksonville experienced nothing short of success," said Master Chief Electronics Technician Kevin Rollert, the chief of the boat aboard Jacksonville. "We are fortunate to be visiting another outstanding port call. This is a great opportunity for the crew to relax and enjoy the sights."

Throughout their 2015 Western Pacific deployment, Jacksonville's crew of 144 Sailors will conduct a variety of missions. Jacksonville will participate in several joint exercises focused on enhancing international maritime operations.

Jacksonville was commissioned May 16, 1981 and is homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Jacksonville measures more than 360 feet long, displaces 6,900 tons and is one of the most capable submarines in the world. Jacksonville supports a wide range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare and naval special warfare.

Throughout its proud 34-year history, Jacksonville conducted thirteen deployments and continues to respond to all challenging tasking, living up to its motto of "The Bold One."