USS Texas Visits Subic Bay

Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS Texas (SSN 775) moored alongside submarine tender USS Emory S Land (AS 39) in Subic Bay Nov. 10, for a visit as part of its deployment to the western Pacific.

Texas is the first Virginia-class submarine to ever visit the Philippines, and the second of its class to deploy to this region.

“This ship and crew have performed beyond all expectations during this Western Pacific deployment,” said Cmdr. Robert A. Roncska, USS Texas commanding officer. “The ship’s motto, ‘Don’t mess with Texas,’ clearly embodies the ship’s capabilities and the crew’s spirit. Texas is proud to contribute to the overall priorities of maintaining regional security and international relations, and we are looking forward to experiencing beautiful Subic Bay with our close regional allies.”

Measuring more than 377 feet long and weighing more than 7,800 tons when submerged, Texas is among the quietest attack submarines in the fleet. This submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare and mine warfare, and shallow water operations.

“This port visit will be a great opportunity for the crew to get some much deserved rest and relaxation,” said Senior Chief Machinist’s Mate (Submarines) Matt Harris, USS Texas chief of the boat.

For many of the approximately 140 crew members, this is their first time visiting the Philippines. However, some crew members are of Filipino descent, and look forward to visiting family in Subic Bay.

“It is an honor to be a part of USS Texas’ first deployment in the western Pacific,” said Chief Torpedoman’s Mate Leonard Anderson, a native of the Philippines.

Anderson said he looks forward to introducing his family to Texas and showing his shipmates some of the cultural sites that Subic Bay has to offer.

“In its short years in service, Texas has surpassed all milestones,” said Anderson. “This historic deployment is an example of how great this crew really is. Pulling into the Philippines in support of U.S. and Southeast Asian relations sets the standard for future Virginia-class platforms and is a great opportunity to show the world the best submarine crew in the Navy. Hooyah Texas!”

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Naval Today Staff , November 15, 2011; Image: navy