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USS Norfolk Returns From Deployment

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100907-09
9/7/2010

By Commander, Submarine Force, Atlantic Fleet Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Norfolk (SSN 714) returned from a regularly scheduled six-month deployment Sept. 6 at Naval Station Norfolk.

The submarine, which departed Norfolk March 5 for the deployment, returned to homeport two days late because of Hurricane Earl.

Commanded by Cmdr. Douglas Jordan, Norfolk conducted operations in the European Command and Central Command Areas of Responsibility supporting national security interests and maritime security operations.

In executing the Maritime Strategy, Norfolk further demonstrated the submarine force's great capability in providing global presence.

"We operated in the Mediterranean and Central Command Areas of Responsibility," said Jordan. "The crew of Norfolk performed superbly, and through their hard work and determination we were able to meet all commitments during high tempo operations. We successfully completed several missions vital to national security and to our struggle against violent extremists, while operating in some of the most challenging environments in which a submarine can operate. Most notably was our participation in Exercise Arabian Shark 2010, an anti-submarine warfare exercise involving warships and aircraft from the United States and some of our coalition partners."

Upon returning to its namesake city of Norfolk, the submarine traveled approximately 34,000 nautical miles. Port visits included Toulon, France; Fujairah, United Arab Emirates; Manama, Bahrain; Diego Garcia; and Augusta Bay, Sicily.

"We will enjoy a well-deserved standdown to spend time with our families and friends," said Jordan. "Then it is back to work preparing Norfolk to enter a shipyard modernization period where it will receive significant technology upgrades to keep the submarine on the cutting edge."

Fast-attack submarines like Norfolk have multifaceted missions. They use their stealth, persistence, agility and firepower to deploy and support special force operations, disrupt and destroy an adversary's military and economic operations at sea, provide early strike from close proximity and ensure undersea superiority.

Built by Newport News Shipbuilding and commissioned May 21, 1983, the 360-foot submarine is the third naval ship to be named in honor of the city of Norfolk. Its also the Navy's 133rd nuclear-powered submarine and 89th of the attack submarine class. The crew compliment includes 16 officers and 118 enlisted Sailors.