Hawaii visits Yokosuka during Western Pacific Deployment

By Lt. j.g. Grade Sam Shorts, USS Hawaii Public Affairs Officer

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776) arrived at Fleet Activities Yokosuka Aug. 20 for a visit as part of its deployment to the Western Pacific.

With a crew of approximately 140, Hawaii will conduct a multitude of mission and showcase the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet.

"I'm very proud of all Hawaii's Sailors and equally impressed with the type and quality of work that goes aboard the submarine each day," said Cmdr. William A. Patterson, Hawaii's commanding officer. "As a team and as a submarine, we have invested a significant amount of time and energy in preparing the Hawaii for her third Western Pacific deployment. We are all very excited to be here working with our allies to ensure the security and stability of the region."

"The crew has worked incredibly hard getting us here, and I'm excited for the crew to experience the great hospitality here in Yokosuka and in Japan," said Senior Chief Fire Control Technician Nicholas Messina, Hawaii's chief of the boat. "It is the first time many of our Sailors have visited this country, and we are all looking forward to catching up on some well-deserved rest and relaxation."

"I'm really excited to see Japan and check out Mount Fuji," said Machinist's Mate Fireman Tyler Hollars, a first time visitor to Japan. "I've been looking forward to trying out some authentic Japanese food as well as walking around Yokosuka and experiencing the Japanese culture."

Measuring 377 feet long and weighing more than 7,800 tons when submerged, Hawaii is one of the stealthiest and most advanced submarines in the world. This submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, naval special warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and mine warfare.

Hawaii is a Virginia-class nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine and is the first commissioned vessel of its name. Hawaii's keel was laid Aug. 27, 2004, was christened on Jun. 17, 2006, and commissioned on May 5, 2007. Hawaii is homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. USS Hawaii was named to recognize the tremendous support the Navy has enjoyed from the people and state of Hawaii.