USS Michigan Arrives in Yokosuka
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS100929-01
9/29/2010
By Lt. Lara Bollinger, Commander Submarine Group 7 Public Affairs
YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Michigan (SSGN 727) arrived at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, Sept. 28 for a visit as part of its deployment to the Western Pacific.
With a crew of approximately 170, Michigan will conduct a multitude of missions and showcase the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet
"Combining classical submarine stealth with strike and special forces missions, Michigan brings the full spectrum of operational capabilities to our leaders," said Capt. Phil McLaughlin, Michigan's commanding officer.
Michigan is one of four highly specialized former ballistic missile submarines that were modified to carry tomahawk missiles and support special operations missions.
"The crew has been working very hard, and this port visit to Yokosuka will allow some much deserved rest for our crew before our boat heads back to sea," said Command Master Chief (SS) David Smith.
For many of the crew members, this is their very first time visiting Japan.
"I am very excited to have the chance to visit a foreign country," said Lt. j.g. Frank Carnaby, Michigan's electrical officer.
"Japan is a country I have heard and read a lot about, so I am eager to actually see and experience the sights and cuisine of this country firsthand," Carnaby said.
Measuring more than 560 feet long and weighing more than 18,000 tons when submerged, Michigan is one of the largest submarines in the world. This submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare and mine warfare.
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