USS Albuquerque Returns from Final Deployment

By Commander, Submarine Squadron 11 Public Affairs

NAVAL BASE POINT LOMA, Calif. (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Albuquerque (SSN 706) returned to its homeport Aug. 21 following its final regularly-scheduled deployment.

Albuquerque, under the command of Cmdr. Trent Hesslink, returned from the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility where the crew executed the Chief of Naval Operations' Maritime Strategy in supporting national security interests and maritime security operations.

"This crew did an absolutely amazing job," said Hesslink. "We trained well, left at the top of our game, and to close out Albuquerque's service life with such a successful deployment, I couldn't ask for more."

Albuquerque left its homeport of San Diego on Feb. 6 and steamed more than 50,000 nautical miles during the deployment. Port visits were conducted in Stirling, Australia; Duqm, Oman; and Diego Garcia.

For one Albuquerque Sailor, this final deployment was bittersweet.

"I've been aboard for four years and to know this is it, it's tough to imagine this boat no longer being at sea," said Electronics Technician Petty Officer 1st Class Derek Warren. "I have a lot of memories on this boat, and I will certainly miss it."

In its more than 32-year career, Albuquerque deployed more than 15 times, steamed more than 500,000 miles, and visited nearly 20 countries. Albuquerque was also one of the first nuclear submarines to experience combat, gaining the moniker of "Sure Shooter of the Submarine Force."

Albuquerque is scheduled to transit to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, in Bremerton, Washington, later this year for its inactivation and decommissioning.

Albuquerque was commissioned May 21, 1983. Measuring more than 360 feet long and displacing more than 6,900 tons, Albuquerque has a crew of approximately 140 Sailors. Albuquerque is capable of supporting various missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike warfare, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.