U.S. Navy’s Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723) visited Australia’s largest navy base HMAS Stirling on March 7.
Oklahoma City visited the Fleet Base West, Western Australia, during its regular Indo-Asia-Pacific deployment.
With a crew of approximately 150, the submarine will conduct a multitude of missions and maintain proficiencies of the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet.
“Oklahoma City is honored to have the opportunity to come to Western Australia and participate in submarine exercises with such a strong ally like Australia,” said Cmdr. Thomas O’Donnell , commanding officer. “The U.S. Navy and Submarine Force have an unwavering heritage with the Royal Australian navy, and that spans decades. As part of the U.S. forward-deployed naval forces in the [Indo-Asia-Pacific region], Oklahoma City appreciates how vital the Royal Australian navy presence and capabilities are to maintaining regional peace and stability on the high seas.”
“The Oklahoma City crew has accomplished a lot to get to this point,” said Senior Chief Fire Control Technician Brandon Edmiston, chief of the boat. “Over the past few months, the amount of hard work and effort put into training and readiness is unbelievable. The crew has earned some much deserved time to enjoy some rest and relaxation on this port visit with our friends in Australia and the Royal Australian navy.”
The 7,000 ton submarine is homeported in Agana, Guam. It is one of four submarines forward deployed to Guam.