USS Frank Cable Arrives in Her Homeport in Guam

The submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) arrived in her homeport in Guam after a six-month regular overhaul and dry docking, July 30.

The dry docking was a scheduled periodic overhaul to maintain the ship’s conditioning and keep Frank Cable mission ready.

“The main purpose of the dry docking was to accomplish attention to our hull, at and below the waterline,” said Command Master Chief James Schneider. “Much focused work was accomplished on the hull to ensure Frank Cable is fit to maintain our ability to provide a quality mobile maintenance facility in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility.”

The repairs to Frank Cable include hull plating, electrical plant upgrades and propulsion plant maintenance. The upkeep done to the ship will help support her preservation and mission readiness.

“Our accomplishment for this dedicated maintenance period for the Frank Cable was to repair outstanding maintenance issues so that when we return to Guam our focus shifts to our primary mission which is to have the ability to provide mobile quality maintenance and logistical support to deployed units that are operating thousands of miles away from their own homeport,” said Schneider. “We look forward to coming home and spending some well deserved time with our families. I am very proud of our accomplishments.”

“The repairs were expertly managed by the Military Sealift Command Management Team which will have a significant impact on the improved operability of the ship for years to come,” said Cmdr. Timothy Sparks, Frank Cable’s executive officer. “I am confident this availability will result in less growth work for the dry docking availabilities five to eight years from now and beyond.”

After their time away from Guam, the crew of the Frank Cable is ready to be back home with their families, Sparks said.

“We are all very anxious to get back to our homes and families,” said Sparks. “The ship’s condition, the pride and ownership of each division in improving their shops is inspiring, and it’s an honor to be part of this crew and this ship.”

Family and friends were pier side to welcome the crew home. The traditional ‘First Kiss’ and ‘First Hug’ were awarded to some lucky disembarking Sailors.

Frank Cable is responsible for conducting maintenance of submarines and surface vessels deployed in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

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Naval Today Staff, July 31, 2012