USS Pasadena Returns Home From Deployment

From Commander, Submarine Squadron 11 Public Affairs

NAVAL BASE POINT LOMA, Calif. (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Pasadena (SSN 752) returned to its homeport July 3 following a regularly scheduled deployment.

Pasadena, under the command of Cmdr. Mark Cooper, is returning from the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility where the crew executed the Chief of Naval Operations' Maritime Strategy in supporting national security interests and maritime security operations.

"I couldn't be any more proud of the crew," said Cooper. "They trained exceptionally hard in the months leading up to the deployment, did what was asked of them for six months and now we're back home, ready to relax and spend some well-earned time with our families."

Pasadena left its homeport of San Diego on Jan. 2 and steamed more than 40,000 nautical miles during the deployment. Port visits were conducted in Okinawa, Japan; Yokosuka, Japan; Sasebo, Japan; Busan, Republic of Korea; Singapore; and Guam.

"During our port calls the crew carried out their role as American ambassadors, which I believe strengthened our bonds with each host nation, allowing for future visits, and on a larger scale, promoting regional security," said Cooper.

"I was really excited to visit Korea for the first time," said Fire Control Technician 2nd Class Zachery Cossairt. "I enjoyed sampling the local cuisine and taking in the sights. It was great being able to pick up a souvenir for my wife as well and relaxing on the nearby beaches."

Pasadena conducted routine patrols throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region as a part of the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. They also operated in conjunction with other Navy ships to conduct maritime security operations that promote stability and peace and develop key partnerships with allies across the region.

Pasadena celebrated various crew member achievements, particularly in professional development.

"The crew did a remarkable job," said Master Chief Electronics Technician Mark Evans, Pasadena's chief of the boat. "We had 11 Sailors and four officers become submarine qualified, 21 crew members frocked and three officers promoted."

Pasadena was commissioned Feb. 11, 1989, and became the first improved 688-class submarine to deploy in July 1991. Measuring more than 360 feet long and displacing more than 6,900 tons, Pasadena has a crew of approximately 140 Sailors. Pasadena is capable of supporting various missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike warfare, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.