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USS Tucson Returns From Western Pacific

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060922-06
Release Date: 9/22/2006 3:35:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Cynthia Clark, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- The nuclear-powered attack submarine USS Tucson (SSN 770) returned to its home port of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, from a six-month Western Pacific deployment, Sept. 21.

Since departing Pearl Harbor March 21, Tucson visited Sasebo and Yokosuka, Japan; Saipan and Guam. While in Saipan, Tucson crew members joined forces with military veterans and cleaned a World War II bunker. Tucson was also in Yokosuka to celebrate the Submarine Force’s 106th Birthday at the annual ball, which was attended my numerous U.S. and Japanese Military Self Defense Force officials.

In June, Tucson participated in Exercise Valiant Shield 2006 near Guam, providing anti-submarine warfare training to three aircraft carrier strike groups. Tucson also participated in a bilateral exercise with the Royal Australian Navy, submarine HMAS Farncomb.

Cmdr. Jimmy Pitts, Tucson commanding officer, said his crew played the role of aggressor “superbly,” training the carrier strike group in anti-submarine warfare.

“The strike group was very capable,” he said. “It was a lot of fun.”

As for the Australians, Pitts said, “They are very capable submariners. It was a challenge for us and continued to build our friendship with the Australian submarine forces.”

Pitts relinquishes command of Tucson next week, but wanted his crew to know it was an honor to serve with them, especially on this last deployment.

“I’m extremely proud of their accomplishments. Each of the guys did a superb job, worked extremely hard and all of America can be proud of them.”

Before heading home and spending time with their families, Tucson had a few more tasks to do. In addition to reenlisting one Sailor and pinning dolphins on two officers, they also had a pinning ceremony for the new chief petty officers.

Chief Yeoman (SS) Darin Matrazzo, had his wife and his two-year-old daughter pin on his anchors.

“I’m really proud of him,” Matrazzo's wife said. "I was in the Navy, too, it was so great to see him earn this.”

Tucson has a crew of 18 officers and 118 enlisted men. It displaces more than 6,900 tons, is 360 feet long and can reach speeds in excess of 25 knots and attain depths of more than 800 feet.

Tucson is one of 17 nuclear-powered attack submarines homeported at Pearl Harbor.