USS Olympia (SSN 717) Deploys
April 17, 2003
Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet
COMSUBPAC Press Release
by: JO2 Cori Rhea
PEARL HARBOR, HI--As USS Olympia (SSN 717) cast off mooring lines from the pier on Apr. 17, the attack submarine began a six-month deployment to conduct operations in the Western Pacific.
"The crew is deploying with quite a sense of purpose today," said Cmdr. Paul Marconi, USS Olympia commanding officer. "This deployment comes at a time when our military is engaged in many missions against the Global War on Terrorism and I am confident in the crew's ability to accomplish all of our assigned taskings with the highest level of dedication."
According to Marconi, many of the crewmembers were on board during the previous six-month deployment when USS Olympia participated in Operation Enduring Freedom.
"I think the crew is very excited, very positive and they are looking forward to going out and serving their country again," he said. "They have worked very hard to prepare for this deployment and they continue to impress me everyday."
Sonar Technician Seaman Allen Schenkl is deploying for the first time and says he knows his family is proud.
"My grandfather and uncle both served in the Navy on surface ships, but never during war or conflict," explained Schenkl. "Knowing that my family is proud and believing that our purpose over the next six months is a noble one makes me very excited to get underway and serve my country."
USS Olympia is the 29th of the Los-Angeles class attack submarines and was commissioned on Nov. 17, 1984 and carries a crew of 130 men.
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