The Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Olympia (SSN 717) arrived at Changi Naval Station, Singapore Feb. 2 for a visit as part of her deployment to the Western Pacific.
With a crew of approximately 140, Olympia will conduct a multitude of missions and showcase the latest capabilities of the U.S. Submarine Force.
“The crew of Olympia is excited to enjoy the sights and culture of Singapore,” said Cmdr. Michael Boone, Olympia’s commanding officer. “They each look forward to enjoying the great shopping, food, and hospitality that Singapore offers.”
For Olympia crew members, like Hospital Corpsman 1st Class, Michael V. Atkinson, this is their first tine visiting Singapore.
“I am looking forward to exploring the culture, people, and food in this wonderful country,” said Atkinson. “My friends who have been here before always talk about the great times they had while here.”
“I’m very excited to finally have a chance to see Singapore,” added Yeoman 2nd class Victor Diaz-Incle. “I’ve heard so many great stories about this country!”
Measuring more than 370 feet long and weighing more than 6900 tons when submerged, Olympia is one of the stealthiest submarines in the world. She is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare and mine warfare.
Named for the city of Olympia, Wash., this submarine is the second U.S. ship to bear the namesake. Olympia was homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in 1986, and has since completed numerous regular deployments to the Western Pacific.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, February 5, 2013