USS La Jolla Returns From Deployment
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS061215-07
Release Date: 12/15/2006 1:15:00 PM
By Lori Cravalho, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- The nuclear-powered attack submarine USS La Jolla (SSN 701) returned home to Pearl Harbor Dec. 3 following a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific.
The Los Angeles-class submarine departed Pearl Harbor May 16. During its time in the Western Pacific, La Jolla conducted operations in support of 7th Fleet, participated in a bilateral exercise, and conducted sustainment training with Sea, Air, Land (SEAL) Delivery Vehicle Team 1 that helped develop new ways of employing submarines with embarked Navy SEALs.
Cmdr. Nelson Hildreth, La Jolla’s commanding officer, called the deployment professionally rewarding and attributed that to his crew.
“As with any submarine crew, we deployed ready to take on any mission at any time and we were able to exercise or demonstrate many of these capabilities effectively,” said Hildreth. “The crew’s performance during the deployment has been outstanding.”
During their deployment, the crew had the opportunity to visit ports in Korea, Japan, Guam, and Hong Kong.
La Jolla’s homecoming allows crewmembers to enjoy the holiday season with family and friends.
“My crew has a lot to be proud of for their efforts and we’re happy to return home to families and friends following a successful deployment,” said Hildreth.
La Jolla is one of three specially configured Los Angeles-class submarines equipped with the Special Operations capable dry deck shelter (DDS), which allows special operation forces such as Navy SEALs to clandestinely operate from submarines.
Commissioned in 1981, La Jolla is 360 feet long and displaces 6,900 tons. The submarine can be armed with both Mark-48 ADCAP anti-submarine torpedoes and Tomahawk guided cruise missiles.
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