Foreign Officers Tour American Submarine USS Pittsburgh

The Defense Intelligence Agency director and a contingent of 25 foreign defense attaches from 20 nations toured a fast attack submarine based in Groton, Conn., May 13.

Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn escorted a group of military officials from nations in Europe, Africa, North America, and the Asia-Pacific.

The officers visited Naval Submarine Base New London to better understand U.S. submarine operations during a weeklong trip to different military installations on the East Coast.

The traveling party, which included 11 general and flag officers with military intelligence backgrounds, toured the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Pittsburgh (SSN 720).

“I’ve never seen so many high ranking members in one spot before,” said Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class William Phillips who stood watch as the group arrived.

The 22-year-old Tennessee native said it was an honor for his ship to host the visiting dignitaries. He has served aboard Pittsburgh for the past year.

Pittsburgh is designed for numerous missions including covert reconnaissance, strike, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface operations.

Prior to the ship tour, Submarine Squadron 4 Commodore, Capt. James Waters, discussed Pittsburgh’s capabilities during an introductory briefing. Waters emphasized the ship’s ability to provide a “persistent, clandestine presence.”

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Press Release, May 14, 2014; Image: Wikimedia