USA: Los Angeles-Class Fast-Attack Submarine Returns to Homeport

Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Scranton (SSN 756) returned to its homeport of Naval Station Norfolk Aug. 17, completing a 7-month deployment.

The submarine returned from the European Command area of responsibility (AOR) where it executed the Chief of Naval Operation’s Maritime Strategy in supporting national security interests and maritime security operations (MSO).

“Our operations spanned the European Command’s AOR, from the north Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea,” said Cmdr. Paul A. Whitescarver. “The pre-deployment training given by our squadron staff shaped us to meet any possible the submarine may encounter, so we were well prepared to meet any mission with success. The credit goes to the crew and their ability to adapt swiftly to a changing environment. Of the many deployments I have been associated with over my career, this has been the most dynamic and challenging of them all.”

During the deployment, Scranton steamed more than 42,000 nautical miles. In addition to conducting MSO, They conducted port visits to Portsmouth, United Kingdom; Souda Bay, Crete; Rota, Spain; Toulon, France; and Lisbon, Portugal.

“Scranton was a great ambassador for the nation in the five ports we visited,” said Whitescarver. “The performance of the crew was superb. The caliber of Sailors within the submarine force is what makes our community the best in the Navy. I could not have asked for a better team.

“We are looking forward to well-deserved time off and, more importantly, time to reacquaint themselves with their family and friends. We had a great support team in Norfolk made up of Scranton families that accounted for much of our success during our work-ups and deployment.”

Fast-attack submarines like Scranton have multifaceted 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.

Named after the city of Scranton, Penn., located in the Lackawanna River Valley, Scranton was built by Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company and was commissioned January 26, 1991. The 360-foot ship has a crew compliment of 16 officers and 122 enlisted Sailors, displaces 6,900 tons of water, and can travel in excess of 20 knots while submerged.

Scranton departed for her deployment Jan. 21.

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Source: navy, August 18, 2011;