USS Bremerton Returns to Bremerton

The Los Angeles-Class attack submarine, USS Bremerton (SSN 698) returned to its namesake city, May 25.

The submarine, which is homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, was recently adopted by the Bremerton-Olympic Peninsula Chapter of the Navy League and welcomed upon arrival to Naval Base Kitsap’s pier with a formal ceremony.

“We’re very happy to be here. The Navy League and the Mayor of Bremerton have shown great support to this ship and its crew, and it’s just been outstanding,” said Cmdr. Caleb Kerr, commanding officer, USS Bremerton.

The visit marks the submarine’s first return to its namesake in approximately two years.

“Anytime we get a chance to have our namesake come back it’s just wonderful,” said former USS Bremerton Commanding Officer (1985-1988) retired Capt. Alan Beam of the Bremerton-Olympic Navy League. “Our goal is to support the troops and the Sailors and make sure they know how much we appreciate their work.”

The submarine is visiting Bremerton before its upcoming deployment.

“This is a great opportunity for some outreach with the city that shows us so much support,” said Kerr.

USS Bremerton is the 11th submarine of the Los Angeles-Class and is the oldest submarine in the U.S. Fleet, commissioned March 28, 1981.

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Naval Today Staff, May 30, 2012; Image: navy