The commanding officer (CO) and several crew members from the Los Angeles class-attack submarine USS Springfield (SSN 761) are visiting their namesake city, Oct. 4 – 9.
During their visit to the capital of Illinois the Sailors will meet with Springfield Mayor Mike Houston, visit with submarine veterans and members of the American Legion, as well as tour a variety of Abraham Lincoln museums and memorial sites to include a visit to the 16th president’s home located in downtown Springfield.
“Since assuming command of USS Springfield in January of this year I wanted to include a visit to one of our namesake cities,” said Cmdr. Chris Williams, commanding officer, USS Springfield, who added that the Los Angeles attack-submarine he commands, is also named after Springfield, Mass.
Williams was accompanied on the visit by Sonar Technician Submarines 2nd Class (SS) Marcin Fuger, a resident of Streamwood, Ill., who enlisted into the Navy in June 2008. Fuger attended Driscoll Catholic High School in Addison prior to entering the Navy.
“This is my first namesake city visit and I’m proud to represent the boat especially in the state I’m from,” said Fuger.
Lt.j.g. Jason Evert , who graduated from Vanderbilt University and received his commissioning through Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps, will also participate in the visit to provide a junior officer’s perspective of what it is like to serve aboard an attack submarine.
“Like Petty Officer Fuger, this will be my first opportunity to participate in a namesake city visit, and I’m looking forward to not only seeing the historical sites in Springfield, but meeting many of the submarine veterans who call the city their home ,” said Evert.
The submarine, built by General Dynamics Electric Boat Division, is the 47th Los Angeles class submarine delivered to the Navy. The submarine’s crew compliment includes 15 officers and 120 enlisted Sailors.
Since its commission in 1993, Springfield has conducted eight deployments and has been awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation, along with numerous accolades for operative, engineering, weapons, food service, and retention excellence.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, October 8, 2012