The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Norfolk (SSN 714) returned to Naval Station Norfolk from its final regularly scheduled deployment on Tuesday, Aug. 26. The city of Norfolk’s namesake will begin deactivation in 2015.
Norfolk, under the command of Cmdr. Greg Zettler, returned from the Central Command area of responsibility where the crew executed the Chief of Naval Operation’s Maritime Strategy for supporting national security interests and Maritime Security Operations.
“During the deployment we provided unmatched versatility to two different Combatant Commanders,” said Zettler. “Norfolk conducted operations in both the U.S. Fifth and Sixth Fleet areas of responsibility in support of theater and national level tasking. The crew performed admirably throughout the deployment, professionally and enthusiastically overcoming many challenges to accomplish a wide variety of submarine missions.”
Norfolk left its homeport in February, and during the deployment steamed more than 30,000 nautical miles. Port visits were conducted in Lisbon, Portugal; Rota, Spain; Bahrain; and Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates.
Fast-attack submarines like Norfolk 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.