US Navy submarine USS Pittsburgh wraps up final deployment ahead of retirement

Los Angeles-class, fast-attack submarine USS Pittsburgh (SSN 720) returned home from her final deployment, marking the end of almost 34 years of service with the US Navy.

USS Pittsburgh (SSN 720) returned to its homeport at Naval Submarine Base New London on Feb. 25, 2019. Photo: US Navy

Pittsburgh arrived at Naval Submarine Base New London on Monday, Feb. 25, after operations in European waters.

During the deployment Pittsburgh steamed approximately 39,000 nautical miles or 44,880 statute miles, equal to approximately 1.8 trips around the world at the equator or nearly eight round trips from New London, Conn., to San Diego.

Port visits were conducted in Faslane, Scotland, Rota, Spain and Haakonsvern, Norway.

Commissioned on Nov. 23, 1985, USS Pittsburgh (SSN 720) is the fourth US Navy ship to be named for the city of Pittsburgh, Pa.

Los Angeles-class submarine started entering service in the 1970s with over 60 vessels built by 1996. They are succeeded by the Seawolf and Virginia-class submarines.