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USS Memphis Retires From U.S. Navy Fleet

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110407-34
4/7/2011

By Lt. Patrick Evans, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs Officer

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Memphis (SSN 691) and her crew of 13 officers and 121 enlisted personnel arrived at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) in Maine April 7 to complete the process of being retired from the U.S. Navy fleet.

The journey to the shipyard began the day before when Memphis departed Submarine Base New London, Conn., for the final time.

Memphis celebrated her proud 33-year history several days earlier during a decommissioning ceremony at the sub base's Shepherd of the Sea chapel on April 1.

In her more than three decades of service, Memphis steamed more than 1.4 million miles, the equivalent of circumnavigating the globe nearly 60 times. She also won the coveted Battenberg Cup in 2005 as the best overall ship in the fleet.

Most recently, she returned from a two-month deployment overseas supporting missions in the European Command area of responsibility, March 2.

"In less than a year from (now), Memphis Sailors will be serving on submarines and shore commands throughout the fleet," Cmdr. Jeffrey Joseph, Memphis' current commanding officer said during the decommissioning ceremony. "So, while it is hard to see such an accomplished ship head off to decommissioning, it is heartening to know that the fighting spirit of the Mighty Memphis will continue to contribute to the defense of our nation in every corner of the globe for many years to come, adding to an already significant legacy."

The Navy's fourth Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarine and sixth U.S. Naval vessel to be named in honor of the city of Memphis, Tenn., Memphis was built by Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company.

Memphis will now be dismantled and once her power plant is emptied of fuel, the submarine will be officially decommissioned and remaining crew released to other assignments.

Memphis' host community is Kittery, Maine.