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USS Chicago (SSN 721) returns from Western Pacific deployment

COMSUBPAC Press Release

Release Date: 5/08/2003

by: JOC(SW/AW) David Rush, COMSUBPAC Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR, HI--The Sailors of USS Chicago returned to their homeport of Pearl Harbor May 6 following a routine six-month deployment, patrolling the Seventh Fleet area of operations.

According to Cmdr. Craig Selbrede, USS Chicago's commanding officer, the deployment was a success. "We are very proud of our accomplishments on the deployment, but there's nothing like pulling back into Pearl Harbor and seeing everybody coming out to welcome us back."

For most Sailors, going on deployment means port visits. Although the crew did get a chance to make brief stops in Singapore, Japan, and Guam, their time in port was much less than their time spent at sea, on patrol. "We have a lot of satisfaction with what we accomplished on this deployment. We were at sea for more than 80-percent of the time, which is pretty high, even for nuclear submarines today. We met every commitment, and really feel that we made a difference out there," said Selbrede.

"The crew did a fantastic job in keeping the ship up and ready. On the home front the wives were also fantastic, they kept families together and supported each other and that meant that we didn't have to worry about them, so we could concentrate on doing our job," said Selbrede.

"There's also a lot of pride. Our Sailors are proud to be a part of the Chicago crew," Selbrede added.

USS Chicago is the Navy's 34th Los Angeles-class nuclear powered attack submarine. She was christened and launched on October 13, 1984 by Mrs. Vicky Ann Paisley, wife of former Assistant Secretary of the Navy Melvin R. Paisley and commissioned on September 27, 1986.

The submarine can launch the sophisticated Mark 48 and ADCAP torpedoes, Tomahawk land attack missiles, and naval mines. USS Chicago's missions include locating and destroying submarines and surface ships, reconnaissance, land strike, and special warfare operations.

Displacing more than 6,900 tons, the 360-foot submarine can reach speeds in excess of 25 knots and attain depths of more than 800 feet. Nuclear propulsion gives her virtually unlimited endurance through any ocean in the world.

USS Chicago's stealth, endurance, mobility and firepower make her a formidable force in a wide range of mission roles. The submarine's commanding officer is Cmdr. Craig Selbrede, who grew up in Wheaton, near Chicago, Ill.