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USS Key West Skipper Makes History

Navy NewStand

Story Number: NNS030327-07
Release Date: 3/27/2003 11:27:00 AM

By Journalist 2nd Class Cori Rhea, Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- History is currently being made underwater, as for the first time since World War II, a submarine commanding officer is in the process of leading his crew through two consecutive combat deployments.

Cmdr. Chuck Merkel departed Pearl Harbor with his attack submarine, USS Key West (SSN 722), Jan. 24 for a six-month deployment in support of the global war on terrorism.

"I feel ready and confident to take the crew and the ship on this deployment," Merkel said. "Again, we are fully ready to answer the nation's call and any taskings that may be asked of us."

During his last six-month deployment, the crew was on their way to a liberty port in Bahrain when they were notified of the Sept. 11 attacks. The submarine was immediately diverted to the North Arabian Sea.

"Our last deployment really shows why we have a Navy and a submarine force," Merkel said. "We transitioned from a 10-day transit to a 10-week war patrol. We answered every call, and we were ready to complete everything we were tasked to do."

In fact, Key West was the first U.S. warship to be on station and within Tomahawk strike-missile range following the attacks.

Today, Key West is one of the 30 coalition warships assigned to Naval Forces Central Command and is actively participating in Tomahawk Land Attack Missile Operations to disarm Iraq. Targets include command and control facilities, early-warning radar sites and surface-to-surface missile systems.

"I feel that my previous deployments have certainly prepared me as commanding officer for what lies ahead, and I couldn't be more proud to lead USS Key West on deployment again to answer the nation's call," Merkel said.

According to Merkel, the crew is the key ingredient to a successful deployment.

"These are magnificent ships, and the crew is the true treasure. Each one of them makes Key West complete. Their skills, their compassion and their unique interests combine, adding to the overall strength of USS Key West."

Key West is armed with the most sophisticated Mark-48 anti-submarine torpedoes and Harpoon and Tomahawk missiles. The submarine carries a crew of 130 men and is attached to Submarine Squadron 3.