USS Los Angeles docks for 1st time in NMI

The fourth naval ship to be named after the city of Los Angeles in California is now here on the island for a last stop before heading back to its homeport in Pearl Harbor. The submarine docked on Saipan at 8am on Friday.

The USS Los Angeles (SSN 688), a warfare capable submarine, boards approximately 130 crewmembers, said Commander Thomas P. Stanley.

Although this is the first time the vessel has visited the CNMI, Stanley said some crewmembers have already visited Saipan during past deployments.

Stanley said the ship is on its fifth and sixth month deployment.

His crew will be here on the island for only three days. They are set to leave the island on Monday.

The submarine will then undergo maintenance work when it arrives in Hawaii.

The ship also visited Guam before coming to the CNMI.

Stanley said Saipan, which he described as a beautiful place, is a perfect place for the crew to take a break from all their hard work in the past months.

“The people have been very very nice. Very welcoming,” he said.

Lt. Commander Michael Braunner echoed this, saying he is “very satisfied” with the welcome they have received. He said the hotels on Saipan are “marvelous,” ensuring that he and his crewmembers would have wonderful time on the island.

The commander and his crew were welcomed to the island on Friday by the Military and Veterans Affairs Office led by executive officer Ruth Coleman, Saipan Chamber of Commerce director Christine Parke, Marianas Visitors Authority officials and Department of Public Safety officers.

The Island Warriors Dance Troupe also showcased their island-style cultural dance during the welcome ceremony.

The Saipan Chamber of Commerce invited the commander and some of his crewmembers to a cocktail Friday evening at the Pacific Islands Club Seaside Grille and Bar.

Stanley gave a plaque of appreciation to the Saipan Chamber of Commerce for the warm welcome to the crew.

The USS Los Angeles was commissioned and started operating in 1976. The 28-year-old submarine is one of the oldest submarines in its class and Stanley said it would probably be around for the next four years.

The submarine’s capabilities include wartime functions of undersea warfare, surface warfare, strike warfare, mining operations, Special Forces delivery, reconnaissance, carrier battle group support and escort, and intelligence collection. Her missiles could hit 75 percent of the earth’s land surface.