USS Tucson (SSN 770)

Submarine Squadron 7

Pearl Harbor, HI
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About 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 launched on March 20, 1994 sponsored by Mrs. 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 strategic 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.