COMSUBPAC Visits San Diego Submariners
By Submarine Squadron 11 Public Affairs

Release Date: 01/04/2011

(NAVAL BASE POINT LOMA, Calif.) – Rear Admiral Frank Caldwell visited Submarine Squadron 11, the submariners, and the submarine support personnel based in San Diego Jan. 3-4. His wife, Kim, accompanied him. This was Rear Admiral and Mrs. Caldwell’s first visit since he took command of Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Dec. 10, 2010.

During his time here, Rear Admiral Caldwell held separate All Hands Calls for junior enlisted, chiefs, and officers. He also toured floating dry dock ARCO (ARDM 5), Torpedo Weapon Retriever Devil Rey (TWR 806), and other submarine support facilities to become more familiar with San Diego operations and touch base with the submariners stationed here. “It’s great to have the opportunity to meet the admiral and learn first-hand his goals and priorities for the Pacific submarine force,” said Logistics Specialist 1st Class Andrew Szynaka. “It enhances our focus, and it’s good for us submariners to see that our efforts are appreciated.”

Mrs. Caldwell met with submariner wives and ombudsmen to learn more about how to best support the families of the men who operate the six Los Angeles-class submarines based here. “I’ve been a submariner wife for 16 years and the operational tempo of our husbands and the unique environment that they work in presents challenges that, at times, can be extremely trying and frustrating,” said Melissa Lott, wife of Cmdr. Tony Lott, commanding officer, USS Hampton (SSN 767), who’s currently on a six-month deployment.  “Talking with Mrs. Caldwell and sharing ideas and concerns helps us know that our sacrifices are appreciated and understood.”

As Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Rear Admiral Caldwell leads a force that includes attack, ballistic-missile and guided-missile submarines, submarine tenders, a floating submarine dock, a submarine rescue unit and undersea surveillance.