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USS Norfolk Deploys for Six Months as Part of USS Nassau ESG

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS051110-13
Release Date: 11/10/2005 9:37:00 PM

From Commander, U.S. Naval Submarine Force Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The fast-attack submarine USS Norfolk (SSN 714) departed from its namesake homeport Nov. 7 for a six-month deployment as part of the USS Nassau (LHA 4) Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG). Norfolk is heading to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility (AOR) in support of the global war on terrorism (GWOT).

Commanding Officer Cmdr. Scott Adams is excited about this opportunity for his crew and ship to show just what the submarine force can do.

“Our sub can operate in shallow water, under ice, and in congested areas in all weather conditions. We are able to stay on station independently for extended periods, and all this is possible through the nuclear submarine’s inherent characteristics of stealth, agility, persistence, mobility and payload,” said Adams.

“We are a unique asset to the Expeditionary Strike Group with multi-mission capabilities, such as being the covert eyes and ears for the ESG, as well as a platform for stealthy application of force if needed,” he added.

As a “scout” for the rest of the strike group, a submarine learns about the environment above and below the water surface and delivers that information to the ESG commander, as well as national decision makers, explained Capt. Jamie Foggo, commodore, Submarine Squadron 6.

“A submarine supports GWOT in very unique ways,” Foggo said.

This is the first deployment for Adams since he took command of Norfolk earlier this year.

“There are months of preparation and training, as well as lots of support from other organizations that go into getting a submarine and its crew ready for sea,” Adams said. “Though we’re sad to say goodbye to our families, we’re glad this day has come to start what we’ve been working towards.”

“I’m also especially proud to represent the city of Norfolk,” he continued, “and grateful for the support the community has given us and the Navy.”

To show the crew’s ties to the city, Adams wore a Norfolk Admirals Hockey team jersey as he commanded the submarine from the sail as the boat got underway from the pier. The jersey and a hockey stick from the team will accompany the crew during its six-month deployment, to include several foreign port visits.