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Aloha and Farewell USS Buffalo

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070712-16
Release Date: 7/12/2007 5:18:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul D. Honnick, Fleet Public Affairs Detachment Hawaii

USS BUFFALO, At Sea (NNS) -- Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Buffalo (SSN 715) and her crew departed Naval Station Pearl Harbor permanently July 8 for her new homeport at Naval Base Guam.

Buffalo will join USS Houston (SSN 713) and USS City of Corpus Christi (SSN 705) as the forward deployed submarine force in the Pacific.

“We want to have three submarines forward deployed in Guam. We’re a lot closer to areas of concern in the Western Pacific and it gives the commanders in the pacific another forward deployed asset that’s readily deployable,” said Cmdr. Brian N. Humm, Buffalo’s commanding officer.

“There’s a lot of action going on in the Pacific right now and it’s important that we have forward deployed forces that can respond to anything that may come up,” said Lt. Cmdr. Caleb Kerr, Buffalo’s executive officer.

Buffalo was commissioned Nov. 5, 1983 in Norfolk, and was transferred to the Pacific Fleet Submarine Force in 1984. The submarine has been homeported in Naval Station Pearl Harbor.

The crew of approximately 130 participated in an all-hands call followed by a farewell ceremony pierside before departure.

“Some of the families are a little concerned because you’re a long way from home, but there are a lot of things to do in Guam. There are good outdoor activities and the Guam communities are very welcoming,” said Humm.

Overall the crew was excited about the move and of the opportunities to see different parts of the world it provides.

“It’s going to be a great time out there. Being on the tip of the spear and being in a position to respond to anything that may come up in the Western Pacific is a great opportunity,” said Kerr.

“I’m actually kind of happy about it. I’ll get to meet new people and see different places,” said Electronics Technician 3rd Class (SS) Matthew Stober.

“I’m really new to the Buffalo, so going to Guam has just given me a lot more to see. I’m looking forward to the move,” said Electronics Technician 3rd Class Peter McKeown.

“Right now there’s a little fear of the unknown, but less then you think since we were in Guam on deployment and most of the guys have been there,” said Humm.

As the submarine made its final preparations for getting underway, the crew took time to say goodbye to their family and friends in Pearl Harbor.

“I’m going to miss [Hawaii]. I have family here, so it’s a good reason to be here,” said McKeown.