USS Annapolis Returns from Deployment

By Kevin Copeland, Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Annapolis (SSN 760) returned to its homeport at U.S. Naval Submarine Base, New London from a regularly scheduled deployment on Thursday, Sept. 11.

Under the command of Cmdr. Chester T. Parks, Annapolis is returning from the European and Central Command areas of responsibility where the crew executed the Chief of Naval Operation's Maritime Strategy in supporting national security interests and Maritime Security Operations.

"The crew of Annapolis performed superbly over the course of the six-month deployment," said Parks. "During this time Annapolis completed four missions vital to national security and participated in one multi-national exercise. The hard work from each member of Annapolis was greatly appreciated by and has been recognized by Commander, Submarine Development Squadron Twelve, Commander, Submarine Group Seven and Commander, Submarine Group Eight, and Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic."

Annapolis left its homeport in March, and during the deployment steamed more than 34,000 nautical miles. Port visits were conducted in Lisbon, Portugal; Rota, Spain; Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain; and Gibraltar, United Kingdom.

"We established three goals at the beginning of the deployment and the crew met or exceeded every metric established," said Parks. "We had 40 Annapolis Sailors earn their submarine dolphins, more than 150 watch station qualifications completed, and two were selected for chief petty officer. Additionally, 17 Sailors decided to continue their Naval careers and reenlisted.

"I would like to thank the families of Annapolis crewmembers, who without their terrific support and selfless sacrifice, none of these accomplishments would have been possible. Now the crew is looking forward to a well-deserved stand-down period to spend some quality time with family and friends."

Fast-attack submarines like Annapolis have multi-faceted missions. They use their stealth, persistence, agility and firepower to deploy and support special forces operations, disrupt and destroy an adversary's military and economic operations at sea, provide early strike from close proximity, and ensure undersea superiority.

USS Annapolis is the fourth ship to be named for Annapolis, Maryland, site of the U. S. Naval Academy. The boat was built by Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation in Groton, Connecticut, and the keel was laid down on June 15, 1988. The submarine was christened and launched on May 18, 1991, and commissioned April 11, 1992. The crew complement includes 14 officers and 138 enlisted Sailors.