Frank Cable Takes Virginia-Class Submarine Alongside

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gabrielle Blake, USS Frank Cable (AS 40) Public Affairs

POLARIS POINT, Guam (NNS) -- For the first time ever, the Virginia-class attack submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776) moored outboard the submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) Dec. 28 in Guam.

"The Virginia class is the nation's newest fast attack submarine," said Cmdr. Michael Dufek, repair officer aboard Frank Cable.

Hawaii is the first Virginia-class attack submarine to deploy to the Western Pacific and the first in Navy's history to be moored alongside a submarine tender.

Cmdr. Bruce Deshotel, Frank Cable's executive officer, said this accomplishment is a first for Frank Cable, the Navy and the Virginia-class program office.

"Being able to moor this new class of ships alongside is critical for the Cable to be able to provide necessary support to this class of ship under any and all conditions in Guam or any foreign port in the Western Pacific," said Deshotel.

In preparation for the new class of submarines, Frank Cable conducted a thorough review of new maintenance items associated with this ship class and also validated parts allowances and special tooling needs for the class of ships.

Dufek said Frank Cable, Hawaii and the Naval Sea Systems Command came together to arrange a configuration that would allow safe mooring without risk of injury or damage to the submarine, as well as the tender.

"We were able to complete that evolution safely and provide her the support she needed so she could get back to her mission," said Dufek.

Capt. Thomas Stanley, Frank Cable's commanding officer, said in order to accomplish the tender's mission and support the mission of the submarine force, Frank Cable needs to have the capability to tend and moor every type of submarine in the U.S. Navy.

Frank Cable conducts maintenance and support of submarines and surface vessels deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

For more news from USS Frank Cable (AS 40), visit www.navy.mil/local/as40/.