USS Charlotte Visits Singapore

The Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Charlotte (SSN 766) arrived in Singapore on July 16 for a visit as part of its deployment to the Western Pacific.
With a crew of approximately 150, Charlotte will conduct a multitude of missions and showcase the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet.

“Charlotte plays a vital role in maintaining forward deployed naval forces and continuing to enhance our strategic partnerships in this key area of the world,” said Cmdr. Andrew T. Miller, Charlotte’s commanding officer. “My officers and crew are looking forward to building relationships and interoperability with our Republic of Singapore Navy counterparts as well as the local community during our port visit. Charlotte is in a high state of operational readiness leading up to this important engagement.”
“Charlotte’s crew is the finest group of sailors I’ve had the honor of serving with,” said Electronics Technician Master Chief, Scott A. Rossiter, Charlotte’s Chief of the Boat. “Their remarkable performance in port and at sea demonstrates their ability to handle the rigorous challenges associated with a fast-attack submarine’s operational tempo. Our port visit to Singapore is well-deserved and provides a great opportunity for Charlotte to represent the United States in the best way possible.”

For some of the crew members, this is their first time visiting Singapore.

“I’m very excited to visit Singapore for the first time,” said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Junnel Sapida. “I feel very fortunate having the opportunity to visit a beautiful country such as Singapore and I look forward to experiencing all the great things Singapore has to offer. I hear the food is excellent, the scenery is awesome, and the people are very polite and courteous.”

Measuring more than 360 feet long and displacing more than 6,900 tons when submerged, Charlotte is one of the most advanced nuclear fast-attack submarines in the world. This submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), tactical missile strikes against shore targets, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, and irregular warfare.
Charlotte was christened on Oct. 3, 1992, at Newport News Shipbuilding by Mrs. Mary McCormack, the ship’s sponsor. Charlotte was commissioned on Sep. 16, 1994, at Norfolk, Virginia, and arrived at its current homeport, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on Nov. 17, 1995.

Press Release, July 22, 2013; Image: Wikimedia
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