Attack submarine USS Topeka visits Japan

U.S. Navy’s attack submarine USS Topeka (SSN 754) arrived at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan for a visit on January 17.

The port visit is part of the Los Angeles-class submarine’s Indo-Asia-Pacific patrol.

“We are honored to have the opportunity to visit Japan,” said Cmdr. Steven Tarr III, commanding officer. “I believe that healthy relationships between the United States Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force contribute to peace, security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.”

Measuring more than 300 feet long and weighing more than 6,000 tons when submerged, Topeka is capable of operating at depths greater than 800 feet and at speeds exceeding 25 nautical miles per hour. The submarine can support a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

“The crew has been working hard on this deployment and this port visit to Yokosuka will allow some much deserved rest for them all,” said Master Chief Electronics Technician (Navigation) Matthew Schecter, chief of the boat.

Topeka was commissioned in 1989.