US Navy attack submarine on liberty port visit in Japan

U.S. Navy’s Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Alexandria (SSN 757) docked at the Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan on December 22.

The port visit is part of its Indo-Asia-Pacific patrol.

“Alexandria departed the shipyard in Portsmouth, New Hampshire a little over one year ago,” said Cmdr. Todd Santala, the submarine’s commanding officer.

“Today, the ship is at the front line of the United States Navy and the submarine force, ready to conduct any mission in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. It is a privilege for me to share this experience with my crew and enjoy our first liberty port together in Sasebo, Japan.”

Alexandria is an improved Los Angeles-class attack submarine with some of the most advanced submarine systems in the world.

688I, or improved Los Angeles-class submarines, are quieter than their predecessor boats, incorporate a BSY-1 sonar suite combat system and can lay mines from their torpedo tubes.

USS Alexandria was commissioned into the navy in June 1991 as the sixth of 23 668I submarines.

“The crew of the mighty warship Alexandria has performed exceptionally during these first months of deployment,” said Master Chief Machinist’s Mate Seth Voyce. “We are all excited to spend a few days ashore to visit with our families and strengthen our relations with Japan.”