• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

USS Boise Returns from US Central Command Deployment

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS150116-23
Release Date: 1/16/2015 3:08:00 PM

By Kevin Copeland, Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Boise (SSN 764) returned to its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk from a deployment, Jan. 16.

Boise, under the command of Cmdr. Scott C. Luers, is returning from the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility where the crew executed the Chief of Naval Operation's Maritime Strategy in supporting national security interests and maritime security operations.

Boise was awarded the 2014 Battle Efficiency 'Battle E' for Submarine Squadron 6 in an announcement made by Vice Adm. Michael J. Connor, commander, Submarine Forces Atlantic, on Jan. 5.

'Boise steamed more than 37,000 miles conducting operations in challenging high contact density, shallow water environments spanning the U.S. 5th, 6th and 7th Fleets,' said Luers. 'We completed three missions vital to national security, 14 strategic strait transits in support of time sensitive operations and key theater commander tasking. The ship provided operational commanders a unique indication of submerged and surfaced threats, giving additional support and protection to high value units in theater operations.'

Port visits were conducted in Duqm, Oman; Manama, Bahrain; Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates; Souda Bay, Greece; and Rota, Spain.

'Boise Sailors excelled as ambassadors in representing the Navy as a Global Force for Good, conducting community relations events during multiple port visits,' said Luers. 'As the first nuclear-powered warship to Duqm, Oman, we established a long-lasting relationship with the host Navy and government. Due to Boise's presence, she assured access for subsequent U.S. forces to a port strategically located outside the Strait of Hormuz.'

During the deployment, the Boise crew missed three major holidays - Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. The separation only motivated performance.

'The crew is directly responsible for the outstanding performance of the ship during the Central Command deployment,' said Luers. 'They expertly managed all operations, logistical, and equipment challenges throughout extended operations across three theaters. With exceptional knowledge and skill, the crew identified and implemented solutions to address all problems and meet theater commander tasking.

'In addition to meeting all operational taskings, we had 38 Sailors on Boise complete their submarine warfare qualifications, including four officers. In earning the coveted gold and silver dolphins these Sailors joined an elite fraternity - the right to be called submariners.

'After meeting and exceeding all expectations throughout the deployment, we are looking forward to spending some well-earned time relaxing with family and friends.'

Fast-attack submarines like Boise have multi-faceted 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.

Boise was built by Newport News Shipbuilding and commissioned Nov. 7, 1992. The 360-foot submarine is the second naval ship to be named in honor of the city of Boise. The crew compliment includes 13 officers and 116 enlisted Sailors.