By Lt. j.g. Erik Edwards, USS Olympia (SSN 717) Public
Affairs
APRA HARBOR, Guam (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class fast-attack
submarine USS Olympia (SSN 717) arrived at Naval Base Guam, Sept. 1, for a port
visit as part of its deployment to the Western Pacific.
With a crew of approximately 150 Sailors, Olympia will
conduct a multitude of missions and showcase the latest capabilities of the
submarine fleet.
"We are excited to be here," said Cmdr. Thomas
Shugart, Olympia's commanding officer. "This fine ship, crewed by the most
professional Sailors, is ready to ensure America's critical access to the
world's ocean trade routes, provide credible defense against any hostile
maritime forces, and project power from the sea to shore when needed."
"The crew of Olympia has been working diligently over
the last seven months to achieve our deployment readiness status and are now in
theater executing critical missions in support of our CNO's three tenets;
war-fighting first, operate forward, and be ready," said Electricians
Technician Master Chief Roland Midgett, Olympia's chief of the boat. "Our
motto is 'Este Paratus' (we are ready) for a reason and we are ready."
Several of Olympia's Sailors are seasoned experts of Western
Pacific deployments.
"I'm looking forward to returning to the place where
America's day starts," said Machinist Mate 2nd Class Roderick Flood.
"I really enjoy Guam and all the features the island has to offer, from
exquisite food to the giant slingshot on the strip. This will be my second time
returning and I'm sure it's not my last."
Measuring more than 360 feet long and weighing almost 7,000
tons when submerged, Olympia is one of the most stealth, swift, and lethal
submarines in the world. This submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of
missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, and
intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
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