The San Diego-based Los Angeles-class, fast attack submarine USS Hampton (SSN 767) arrived in Yokosuka, Japan Sept. 24 for a visit as part of its deployment to the Western Pacific.
With a crew of 135, Hampton will conduct a multitude of missions and showcase the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet during its time in the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility.
“The crew of Hampton is happy to be in Yokosuka,” said Cmdr. Lincoln Reifsteck, Hampton’s commanding officer. “We are looking forward to enjoying the culture that the country of Japan has to offer and get to know our counterparts on the staff of Commander, Submarine Group 7. Being in the headquarters of the Submarine Force in the Western Pacific is an honor.”
For Electronics Technician 3rd Class Nathan Rambaud and Yeoman 3rd Class Darrin Sayre, this is their first time to Japan.
“I have always wanted to go to Japan to see some of the Shinto and Buddha shrines that I could visit,” said Sayre.
“I’m excited to meet some of the local people while I’m here so I can learn more about the culture of Japan,” said Rambaud.
Measuring more than 360 feet long and weighing more than 6,000 tons when submerged, Hampton is one of the most complex submarines in the world. This submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
Hampton’s parent squadron is Commander, Submarine Squadron 11, homeported in San Diego.
[mappress] Press Release, September 26, 2013; Image: Navy