The USS Alexandria (SSN 757) returned to Naval Base Point Loma this week following a seven-month deployment to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility.
The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine left its Point Loma homeport last year on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of national security objectives.
Upon returning Thursday, Cmdr. Chris Rose, Alexandria’s commanding officer, said he “could not be prouder of my crew’s resolve over the past seven plus months.”
“This crew went above and beyond, no matter what was asked of them,” he said.
The Indo-Pacific Command includes 38 nations in the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia, Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines.
While deployed, Alexandria conducted an integrated exercise with U.S. Marine Corps personnel assigned to Third Reconnaissance Battalion during and immediately after a scheduled port visit to Guam.
“This crew did a phenomenal job in all aspects of this deployment,” said Master Chief Machinist’s Mate (Auxiliary) Mitchell Gatton, Alexandria’s chief of the boat. “I am especially proud of the 35 submarine warfare devices earned by Alexandria Sailors, which to me underscores the crew’s commitment to continued growth and development.”
The Navy crew also made a scheduled port visit to Busan, South Korea, in an effort to maintain “the strategic and critical relationship” between the United States and South Korea.
This visit also provided an opportunity for Alexandria’s crew to gain a deeper understanding of Korean culture.
“Port visits give us that time to explore new places, get some well-earned rest, and experience the culture, food, and hospitality of our Allied and partner nations,” Fire Control Technician 3rd Class Justin Guerra.
Upon arriving home, and as part of a time-honored Navy tradition, Electronics Technician, Submarine, Navigation 3rd Class Dylan Caruthers departed the boat for the “first kiss.”
“I am thrilled to be home with my family and I’m proud of all the great work we accomplished on deployment,” said Torpedoman’s Mate 3rd Class Ezekiel Hamner. “This morning when I heard the order to station the maneuvering watch and send line handlers topside, it really hit that we were at the end of our deployment. It was an awesome feeling.”
USS Alexandria is the third ship to bear the name Alexandria. The unit’s motto is “Twice as Strong,” which denotes the fact that it is named for Alexandria, Virginia and Alexandria, Louisiana. She is the 46th Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine and was commissioned in 1991.
Alexandria is assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron 11, home to four Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines, which are capable of supporting various missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, strike warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
