USS Tucson Returns to Pearl Harbor
By MC2 Ronald Gutridge
COMSUBPAC Public Affairs

Release Date: 10/08/2010

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii – The Los Angeles-class submarine USS Tucson (SSN 770) returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam after completing a scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific region Friday, Oct. 8.

During the deployment, Tucson successfully conducted missions vital to national security and participated in challenging fleet exercises including Invincible Spirit, a U.S.-Republic of Korea combined alliance exercise. Tucson also executed numerous theater level missions in support of the task force commander’s priorities throughout its six months away from Pearl Harbor. 

“As with most submarine deployments, the tasking over the last six months changed frequently and dramatically,” said Cmdr. Gary Pinkerton, USS Tucson Commanding Officer.  “We went to areas we did not study prior to deployment and diverted to ports we didn’t expect. The crew did an exceptional job on this deployment and they executed all assigned tasking, some of which were added at the last moment as missions and availability of other submarines changed.”

During the deployment, 17 new enlisted submariners, including five that were assigned temporary duty to the submarine for the first three months of the deployment, became submarine qualified and are now entitled to wear the enlisted submarine warfare insignia. A majority of the crew also completed advanced qualifications, including Engineering Watch Supervisor, Diving Officer of the Watch and Chief of the Watch.  These qualifications provide greater watch bill flexibility and helped ensure that Tucson’s performance will remain strong after the upcoming departure of many senior personnel and into her next deployment.

“Tucson operated greater than 85 percent of the past six months at sea, and the crew rose to every challenge with a positive attitude by attacking qualifications with the same zeal and persistence that they used when approaching unexpected new missions,” said Pinkerton.

Well over half of the crew was on the first deployment of their career and only three members of today’s crew were onboard Tucson when she deployed back in 2006.

 “Our crew and their families completed a change of homeport, extensive training and certifications to restore their proficiency, and successfully deployed to the busiest and most dynamic waters in which the United States sails,” Pinkerton added. “I could not be more proud of each and every one of them and the greater experience and confidence that will serve them well as they continue their Navy career.”