Jacksonville Visits Singapore During Western Pacific Deployment

By Ensign Nicholas Lucania, USS Jacksonville Public Affairs

SINGAPORE (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Jacksonville (SSN 699) arrived in Singapore for a port visit as a part of its Western Pacific deployment, July 27.

After a successful completion of Talisman Sabre 2015, the joint exercise coordinated with both the Australian and New Zealand navies, the Sailors of Jacksonville were excited for its arrival in Singapore.

"The crew flawlessly executed their third leg of deployment," said Master Chief Electronics Technician Kevin Rollert, the chief of the boat aboard Jacksonville. "Singapore is another excellent port of call for Jacksonville. It will be a great break for the crew before heading back out to sea."

For the majority of Jacksonville, this was their first time visiting Singapore. The crew was looking forward to exploring the city, meeting with their Republic of Singapore Navy counterparts and partaking in projects with the local community.

"We have heard a lot about the great liberty in Singapore," said Chief Logistics Specialist Aaron Hardardt. "We are very fortunate for the port calls we have experienced while deployed and are excited for Singapore."

Throughout the remainder of Jacksonville's 2015 Western Pacific deployment, its crew of 141 Sailors will be participating in additional joint exercises with foreign navies and executing various missions vital to national security.

"I am truly proud of Jacksonville's major accomplishments so far," said Cmdr. Matthew R. Boland, Jacksonville's commanding officer. "I am looking forward to the challenges awaiting Jacksonville during our next segment of deployment."

Jacksonville was commissioned May 16, 1981 and is homeported in Pearl harbor, Hawaii. It 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 world-wide deployments. Jacksonville continues to respond to all challenging tasking, living up to its motto of "The Bold One."