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USS Buffalo Crew Visits Guam

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070802-05
Release Date: 8/2/2007 9:58:00 AM

By Oyaol Ngirairikl, U.S. Naval Forces Marianas Public Affairs

SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- From scuba diving to enjoying the sites, USS Buffalo (SSN 715) crew members said they are looking forward to their time on Guam after arriving July 19.

The fast-attack, Los Angeles-class submarine was previously homeported in Pearl Harbor and arrived on Guam with a crew of approximately 130 Sailors.

Accustomed to the balmy seas and cool ocean breeze in Hawaii, crew members said they’re making the transition and are already enjoying the island.

“I believe the crew will do very well under Command Submarine Squadron 15 and very well here on Guam,” said Yeoman 1st Class (SS/SW) Nikolaus Epp.

Epp has visited Guam before and enjoyed it so much he said he requested his assignment on board Buffalo because he knew it was coming to Guam.

Another Sailor making a return trip to the island is Electronics Technician 3rd Class Peter McKeown, who was born on Guam during his father's tour on the island.

Growing up with the Navy, McKeown said becoming a Sailor was just a natural transition for him and he’s looking forward to getting reacquainted with the island.

About a week after arriving on Guam, the Buffalo’s crew held a change-of-command ceremony July 27, during which Cmdr. Brian Humm was relieved by Cmdr. Scott Pappano.

Guest speaker Rear Adm. William D. French, Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Marianas, welcomed the crew of the Buffalo to Guam.

“The Buffalo’s record over the past three years is truly remarkable,” French said during the ceremony.

French said Buffalo is a part of the U.S. military’s focus on strengthening its presence in the Pacific region.

Buffalo joins submarines USS City of Corpus Christi (SSN 705) and USS Houston (SSN 713). The three submarines report to Commander Submarine Squadron 15.

“The smooth homeport transfer from Pearl Harbor to Guam is a clear testament to the sacrifices of this crew and their families, and their dedication not only to this submarine but also for the Navy,” said French.