USS Albany Returns from Deployment in Summer Pulse 2004

Since 08-03-04

By Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine USS Albany (SSN 753) returned to Naval Station Norfolk July 30 from a six-month deployment.

The submarine, with a crew of 144 officers and Sailors, departed Norfolk Jan. 30 on a regularly scheduled deployment.

While deployed, Albany provided support in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman for more than 150 days, helping to successfully deter Al Qaeda and international terrorists. The crew then proceeded to the Mediterranean Sea to participate in a Summer Pulse ‘04 exercise, Operation “MEDSHARK/Majestic Eagle.” This joint maritime exercise was conducted to develop interoperability between multinational forces and address critical undersea warfare objectives in the European area of operation.

Summer Pulse ‘04 was the first exercise to employ the Navy’s new operational construct, the Fleet Response Plan (FRP). The FRP is about new ways of operating, training, manning and maintaining the fleet that result in increased force readiness and the ability to provide significant combat power to the President in response to a national emergency or crisis.

MEDSHARK/Majestic Eagle used a NATO command and control structure under the direction of Striking and Support Forces NATO in Naples, Italy. In this exercise, allied nations worked side-by-side in a realistic and challenging training environment. This was a rare opportunity for a coalition of maritime forces to refine the complex skills necessary to prepare for and conduct integrated operations with multiple aircraft carriers and other vessels.

With stealth, endurance, mobility and agility, fast-attack submarines like Albany are multi-mission capable – able to deploy and support special forces operations, disrupt and destroy an adversary’s military and economic operations at sea, provide early strike from close proximity, and ensure undersea superiority.

Commanded by Cmdr. Brett Genoble, Albany is 360 feet long, displaces approximately 6,900 tons of water while submerged, and can travel in excess of 20 knots. Albany’s armaments include Tomahawk cruise missiles and MK48 advanced capability torpedoes.

For more information about Summer Pulse '04, visit the CFFC Web site at www.cffc.navy.mil/summerpulse04.htm or visit the Summer Pulse '04 Navy NewsStand site at www.news.navy.mil/local/pulse04.