USS Hampton Visits Yokosuka During Western Pacific Deployment

By Lt. j.g. Derek Roncaioli, USS Hampton Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Hampton (SSN 767) arrived at Fleet Activities Yokosuka for a port visit as a part of its deployment to the Western Pacific, June 8.

With a crew of approximately 150, Hampton will conduct a multitude of missions and showcase the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet.

"My crew is humbled and excited by the invitation to visit Yokosuka," said Cmdr. Lincoln Reifsteck, Hampton's commanding officer. "I have been impressed with the Japanese submarine force, their professionalism and skill. Strengthening our friendship as nations, and especially our partnership at sea, is vitally important for both countries and I'm proud to be a part of it."

Hampton is a San Diego-based submarine that has been conducting multiple missions for the past several months vital to national security in the Western Pacific.

After a brief port visit in Okinawa, Japan, Hampton is looking forward to a second opportunity to experience the Japanese culture before heading back to sea. The crew will use the port call to re-supply, complete scheduled maintenance, communicate with friends and family, meet and greet Japanese submariners and enjoy some time off.

"We've been working extremely hard these last couple of months," said Master Chief Machinist's Mate Richard Moss, Hampton's chief of the boat. "The crew has performed very well and Yokosuka is a great way to reward them for their accomplishments. Japan has always been good to Hampton, with good food, great sights to see and generous hospitality. The crew should be able to enjoy some well-deserved R and R."

For many crew members like Electronics Technician 2nd Class Jesus Garcia, this is their first time visiting mainland Japan.

"I am looking forward to taking in the culture and sampling the fine delicacies Japanese culture has to offer," said Garcia. "I am also excited to utilize the efficient public transportation while visiting Tokyo. It has been a lifelong dream for me to visit Tokyo and I am thankful for the opportunity."

Measuring more than 360 feet long and weighing more than 6,900 tons when submerged, Hampton is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance, and strike warfare.

Yokosuka is Hampton's second port call during its deployment. Deployed submarines generally visit several ports while supporting U.S. 7th Fleet objectives.