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Scranton Returns From Deployment

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070706-06
Release Date: 7/6/2007 10:29:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kelvin D. Edwards, Commander Submarine Force Public Affairs Office

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class nuclear powered fast-attack submarine USS Scranton (SSN 756), homeported in Norfolk, returned home from a scheduled six-month deployment July 3, to a red, white and blue welcome.

Playing a key role in the dominance of the undersea battle space, the Scranton deployed as part of the Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group contributing to mission objectives and the support of national interests. This deployment demonstrated the global reach and great flexibility of modern fast-attack submarines.

Scranton, which deployed in January, conducted a wide range of joint requirements supporting national security as well as multiple operations contributing directly to the global war on terrorism and maritime operations.

Scranton’s crew exhibited expertise and decisive navigation and ship handling skills needed to operate in any theater in the world.

“The crew performed admirably,” said Cmdr. Wesley Guinn, commanding officer, who said he was honored to be at sea with the crew for the first time. “The crew’s superior training, dedication, and patriotism were instrumental in our ability to carry out our orders.”

“Providing the critical stealth, agility, firepower and endurance are the earmarks of the submarine contribution to the [global] war on terrorism,” added Guinn.

Scranton’s crew members served as ambassadors for the U.S. Navy during port visits to La Maddalena, Toulon, Diego Garcia, Bahrain, Jebel Ali and Soudha Bay.

For many submariners, being out at sea for six months away from family, friends and home is strenuous.

“Being out this long does have its challenges but the pace of operations and the satisfaction of knowing that we were contributing kept that sadness abated," said Guinn.

According to Guinn, the crew’s morale was kept in check by really good food, continuous training and a big stack of movies.

With stealth, persistence, agility and firepower, fast-attack submarines like Scranton are capable of deploying and supporting special force operations, disrupting and destroying an adversary’s military and economic operations at sea, providing early strike from close proximity, and ensuring undersea superiority.