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NEWS | April 4, 2016

Congressional Delegation Visits Submarine Force in Guam

By Lt. Lauren Gaidry, Commander, Submarine Squadron 15 Public Affairs

SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- Submarine Squadron 15, submarine tender USS Frank Cable, and the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Topeka welcomed a three-member Congressional delegation at Polaris Point, Naval Base Guam, March 27-31.

Alec Johnson and Will Rogers, military legislative assistants for Senator Chris Murphy and Senator Brian Schatz, respectively, and Maj. Marshalee Clarke, Marine Corps Congressional Liaison, visited Guam and Saipan to expand their understanding of initiatives and current military projects, as well as operational and political dynamics in Guam and the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands.

The CODEL spent Wednesday afternoon at Polaris Point on Naval Base Guam, meeting with Capt. Jeffrey Grimes, commander, SUBRON 15, for an office call and introductory brief before heading to the USS Frank Cable and USS Topeka.

"Guam is home to four submarines and the only two submarine tenders in the fleet," said Grimes. "We are the first submarines called to respond, and we are ready to go when called, whether for a contingency or an exercise. My guys are out there, building knowledge, reinforcing our regional partnerships and providing measurable value at all times."

The group met with the commanding officers of USS Frank Cable and USS Topeka separately and toured both the tender and submarine, where they observed day-to-day operations and learned about the various capabilities of each vessel.

Also during the visit to Guam and Saipan, the CODEL met with leadership from Joint Region Marianas, Naval Base Guam, Naval Facilities Marianas, Marine Corps Activity Guam, Joint Guam Program Office Forward, Naval Hospital Guam, United States Coast Guard Sector Guam, and Andersen Air Force Base.

"Visiting the submarine base was an excellent opportunity to get a firsthand perspective on what the submarines and tenders are capable of and the challenges they face," said Johnson. "Being in Guam, they are a vital asset to our national security and the stability within the region."

SUBRON 15 is located at Polaris Point, Naval Base Guam in Santa Rita, Guam, and consists of four Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines. The squadron staff is responsible for providing training, material and personnel readiness support to these commands. Also based out of Naval Base Guam are submarine tenders USS Frank Cable and USS Emory S. Land (AS 39). The submarines and tenders are maintained as part of the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed submarine force and are readily capable of meeting global operational requirements.