CHINHAE, Republic of Korea -- Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Tucson arrived in Chinhae, Republic of Korea, April 6 for a visit as part of its Indo-Asia-Pacific deployment.
With a crew of approximately 150, Tucson will conduct a multitude of missions and maintain proficiencies in the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet.
"The Korean-American relationship is very important and our visit to Changwon gives us the opportunity to strengthen the positive relationship that exists between the U.S. and Republic of Korea," said Cmdr. Michael Beckette, commanding officer. "My crew and I are looking forward to experiencing the exciting culture of this great Korean city."
Tucson's crew operates with a high state of readiness and is always prepared to tackle any mission that comes their way.
"The performance of this crew in the few past months has been nothing less than exceptional," said Senior Chief Electronics Technician Billy Daly Jr., chief of the boat. "I am proud to serve with each and every one of them. Changwon is a wonderful city for the crew to spend their well-deserved rest and relaxation."
For many of the crew members, this was their first time visiting the Republic of Korea.
"I cannot wait to diversify myself culturally in the great nation of the Republic of Korea," said Electrician's Mate 2nd Class Jonathan Gilliam. "They are some of the most pleasant people I have ever met."
Measuring more than 360-feet long, Tucson is one of the stealthiest and most advanced submarines in the world. This submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
Homeported in Pearl Harbor, Tucson is able to operate in all oceans of the world. Tucson is the 59th Los Angeles-class attack submarine and the 20th of the Improved Los Angeles-class attack submarine to be built.
Twelve vertical launch tubes for Tomahawk cruise missiles and four torpedo tubes provide Tucson with great offensive capabilities and strategic value. Tucson's stealth, endurance, mobility and responsiveness make it a formidable force in multiple mission roles.