USS TUCSON (SSN 770)
USS TUCSON (SSN 770) is the second ship of the United States
Navy to bear the name of this Arizona city. The first TUCSON was
a light cruiser, designated CL-98, built by Bethlehem Steel Co.,
in San Francisco and commissioned on February 3, 1945. Following
shakedown and training cruises, TUCSON was assigned to screening
duty for Fast Carrier Task Force, TF-38. TUCSON joined the fast
carriers in mid 1945 in time to participate in their final
assault on the Japanese Empire and its inner defenses. Following
the surrender of Japan on September 2, 1945, TUCSON remained in
the Far East and helped support occupation forces moving into
Japan. For the next four years, TUCSON performed various gunnery
and antiaircraft training missions for the Pacific Fleet. On June
11, 1949 TUCSON was decommissioned and berthed with the San
Francisco Group of the Pacific Fleet Reserve. For her service
during the waning years of World War II, TUCSON earned one battle
star.
The new TUCSON (SSN 770) is the 59th Los Angeles class attack
submarine and the 20th of the Improved-Los Angeles class attack
submarine to be built. Her construction began on 10 June 1988 and
her keel was laid September, 1991. She was christened on 19 March
1994 by Ms. Diane C. Kent, wife of The Honorable Gerald A. Cann,
former Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development
and Acquisition.
Submarines of the Los Angeles
class are the most advanced
vessels in the world. Their mission: to hunt down and destroy
enemy naval forces alone or in battle group operations, lay mines
off enemy ports, provide covert intelligence, support Navy, Army,
and Air Force special forces and conduct cruise missile strikes
against targets ashore.
Twelve vertical launch missile tubes for Tomahawk cruise
missiles provide TUCSON with great offensive capabilities and
stategic value. Retractable bow planes give the ship increased
maneuverability and under ice surfacing potential.
Able to operate in all ocean areas of the world, TUCSON's
stealth, endurance, mobility and responsiveness make her a
formidable force in multiple mission roles.
COMMANDING OFFICER - CDR James O'Harrah | Biography