Virginia-Class Fast Attack Submarine USS Texas Visits Yokosuka

Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS Texas (SSN 775) arrived in Yokosuka Nov 22 for a port call over the Thanksgiving holiday, as part of its western Pacific deployment.

With a crew of approximately 121 enlisted and 18 officers, this marks the first western Pacific deployment for Texas and the second of the Virginia-class.

“Although the crew is away from home, our families are always at the forefront of our minds,” said Cmdr. Robert A. Roncska, commanding officer of Texas. “We could not do our jobs if it was not for the love and support of our families, and although we are away from home we are looking forward to spending Thanksgiving in the beautiful port of Yokosuka.”

Local military families and organizations have the opportunity to host crew members from Texas for the Thanksgiving holiday, so many of these Sailors will have a taste of home from half a world away.

“Our time in Yokosuka will be a great opportunity for our crew to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday,” said Senior Chief Machinist’s Mate (Submarines) Matt Harris, chief of the boat. “Many of our crew members have also looked forward to the chance to really experience some of the Japanese culture as well.”

For some Sailors aboard Texas, this is their first time in Japan.

“I’m looking forward to enjoying Japanese food and culture for the first time,” said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy Fitch, from Marathon, N.Y. “Although I am away from my family, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Measuring more than 377 feet long and weighing more than 7800 tons when submerged, the advances in technology made the Virginia-class 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, mine warfare, and shallow water operations.

Built in Norfolk, Va., Texas shifted its homeport from Groton, Conn. to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in the fall of 2009.

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Naval Today Staff, November 23, 2011; Image: navy