Olympia Visits Guam during Western Pacific Deployment

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.