NAVY SUBMARINERS

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Comment by NavyDads Co-Admin, Gary on November 3, 2013 at 8:13am

131102-N-SF554-046
GROTON, Conn (Nov. 2, 2013) - Sailors assigned to Pre-Commissioning Unit North Dakota (SSN 784) stand atop the hull of their ship during a christening ceremony in Groton, Conn., Nov. 2.North Dakota is the 11th Virginia-class attack submarine and is scheduled to be commissioned in early 2014. (U.S. Navy Photo by Lt. j.g. Phillip Chitty/Released)

Comment by NavyDads Co-Admin, Gary on October 31, 2013 at 1:54pm

Navy to Christen Submarine North Dakota...

Story Number: NNS131031-25Release Date: 10/31/2013 2:03:00 PM
From Department of Defense

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy will christen its newest attack submarine North Dakota, Nov. 2, during an 11 a.m. EDT ceremony at a General Dynamics Electric Boat shipyard in Groton, Conn.

Vice Adm. Michael Connor, commander, Submarine Forces, will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Katie Fowler, wife of retired Vice Adm. Jeff Fowler, will serve as the ship's sponsor, break a champagne bottle against a plate welded to the hull, and officially christen the ship North Dakota.

The North Dakota, designated SSN 784, honors the state's citizens and veterans as well as their military support from the Frontier Wars through the Cold War and the Global War on Terrorism. Seventeen North Dakotans have been awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in combat.

"The work of the more than a thousand shipyard craftsmen and engineers who built this boat has helped make the fleet stronger and our nation safer," said Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus. "Their dedication and expertise has the world's most advanced submarine on track to deliver in early 2014, giving the North Dakota the shortest construction span of any Virginia-class submarine to date."

The North Dakota is the second ship named in honor of North Dakota, and will be the 11th Virginia-class submarine when it is commissioned in 2014.

Next-generation attack submarines allow the Navy to maintain undersea supremacy well into the 21st century. They have improved stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and special warfare enhancements that will enable them to meet the Navy's multi-mission requirements.

The North Dakota will have the capability to attack targets ashore with highly accurate Tomahawk cruise missiles and conduct covert long-term surveillance of land areas, littoral waters or other sea-based forces. Other missions include anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare; special forces delivery and support; and mine delivery and minefield mapping.

The Virginia-class is 7,800-tons, 377 feet in length, has a beam of 34 feet, and can operate at more than 25 knots submerged. It is designed with a reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship - reducing lifecycle costs while increasing underway time.
To view the ceremony via live webcast, please go to: www.navy.mil

Comment by NavyDads Co-Admin, Gary on September 10, 2013 at 6:55pm

Hampton Visits Subic Bay during Western Pacific Deployment...

Story Number: NNS130909-01Release Date: 9/9/2013 7:07:00 AM
From Commander, Submarine Group 7 Public Affairs

SUBIC BAY, Philippines (NNS) -- The San Diego based Los Angeles-class, fast attack submarine USS Hampton (SSN 767) arrived at Subic Bay, Philippines, Sept. 6 for a visit as part of its deployment to the Western Pacific.

With a crew of 135, Hampton will conduct a multitude of missions and showcase the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet during its time in the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

"The crew of Hampton is very excited about visiting Subic Bay," said Cmdr. Lincoln Reifsteck, commanding officer of the Hampton. "The majority of my crew has never been to the Philippines, but has heard a lot of great stories about the city and country from family and friends. We are also proud to be moored next to the USS Emory S. Land (AS-39) and look forward to working with their team of professionals during our time in port."

For two Hampton crew members, this port visit marks a homecoming. Logistics Specialist 1st Class Raynoel Pena and Culinary Specialist Seaman Recruit Joselito Manuel were born and lived in the Philippines for some time before joining the Navy.

Manuel grew up near Manila before moving to San Diego at age ten. He has not had an opportunity to return to the country since then.

"I am excited to have my grandmother, aunt and some of my cousins come to visit me on my 20th birthday, while we are in port," said Manuel. "I have only been able to see this part of my family through video chat and am thankful the Navy has given me the opportunity to return to my home county."

Pena also grew up near Manila and moved to Hawaii at age nine. His father's family was from Olongapo City and he is looking forward to going back the Philippines with Hampton.

"I haven't been back to the Philippines since my last ship, the USS Peleliu (LHA-5), pulled into Subic Bay in 2010," said Pena. "It is always nice to see family when I return and I'm glad the Navy has given me that opportunity several times."

Measuring more than 360 feet long and weighing more than 6000 tons when submerged, Hampton is one of the most complex submarines in the world. This submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

The Hampton's parent squadron is Commander, Submarine Squadron 11, homeported in San Diego, Calif.

Comment by Terry Skinner on August 19, 2013 at 9:10pm

Hi Group!

My son will be graduating A school (Sonar) in the next couple of weeks and was just assigned to the USS Annapolis.  He is excited about getting to the boat, but probably equally excited about his upcoming upgrade in barracks at Groton.  :-)  Anyone here with sailors on that boat?

Thanks much,

Terry

Comment by Mike K on August 18, 2013 at 12:37pm

Yeah, that first deployment can be tough.  Our son just finished his second but also was just married before his first.  He was lucky in one respect that his wife was a true "Army Brat" so she had a sense of the separation and the costs personally.  Having a full time job in GC she spent the deployment with her sister's family so that helped too.  She moved to Groton right after he returned.

Comment by Don C Douglas Jr. on August 18, 2013 at 12:07pm

Very moving rendition of the Navy Hymn.  Our prayers go out to the Indian Navy and the lost souls.

  Our youngest son is on his first deployment on another sub while his boat is in drydock.  The Navy wants him qualified prior to his sub finishing the retrofit it is getting now.  He is also newly wed and we are keeping daily contact with his wife while he is at sea.

Comment by Hans Larsen on August 18, 2013 at 8:59am

I have learned over the years that submariners all over the world stick together. We are a special group regardless of politics. This for those lost Submariners in India.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKMEl4HU0fA

Comment by Mike K on August 4, 2013 at 7:12pm

We just returned from Groton having been there for our sailor's "homecoming" from their six month deployment.  What a great thrill to see the boat pull in with all the friends and family there, as well as the students from the sub school cheering them home.  It is a great experience, our second, and I highly recommend going to your sailors homecoming if you get the chance.

Comment by Jack Pouchet on July 29, 2013 at 10:39pm

Technically speaking the modern submarine can circumnavigate the globe. Will they? That's a very difficult question with way too many variables. Not very likely but the oceans are a very big place. Your sailor is more likely to get a TDY assignment that places him in San Diego or Pearl for a training exercise.

Comment by GP on July 19, 2013 at 2:13pm

Just want to take a moment to send my condolences to the family of Rolando Acosta at this sad time.   For those of you who are unaware, seaman Acosta slipped and fell overboard the SSN Boise while it was docked at it's base in Norfolk, VA.  My prayers are with you.

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