USS Santa Fe Visits Japan during Western Pacific Deployment

By USS Santa Fe Public Affairs

FLEET ACTIVITIES YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- FLEET ACTIVITIES YOKOSUKA, Japan - The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Santa Fe (SSN 763) arrived at Yokosuka, Japan Aug. 17 for a visit as a part of its deployment to the Western Pacific.

With a crew of approximately 150, Santa Fe will conduct a multitude of missions and showcase the endurance and flexibility of the submarine fleet.

"Santa Fe is proud to contribute to the 7th Fleet commander's initiates," said Cmdr. Timothy Poe, Santa Fe's commanding officer.

Santa Fe is making its 2nd deployment to the Western Pacific in the last three years. Combining stealth, fire power and persistence to remain on station indefinitely, Santa Fe is crucial to the U.S. Navy's, and its allies' underwater dominance in the region.

"This port call is important to the crew of the Santa Fe as a well-deserved reward for their hard work and dedication over the last several months," said Senior Chief Electronics Technician Juan Gonzalez, the chief of the boat aboard Santa Fe. "The crew has been put through their paces and has stood tall and strong through all challenges. This is also a great opportunity to show military presence and foster a stronger relationship between our two countries."

Measuring more than 360 feet long and weighing more than 6,000 tons when submerged, Santa Fe is one of the stealthiest submarines in the world. This submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions. Commissioned on Jan. 8, 1994, Santa Fe is the 52nd ship of the Los Angeles-class and is based out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.