USS Oklahoma City returns to Guam

Cmdr. Thomas O’Donnell, commanding officer of Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Oklahoma City, and “Santa” greet friends and family during a homecoming celebration for the submarine. (Petty Officer 1st Class Jamica Johnson)

SANTA RITA, Guam—The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Oklahoma City returned to its homeport of Apra Harbor on Dec. 8 following an eight-month engineering overhaul in San Diego, California.

Oklahoma City, under the command of Cmdr. Thomas O’Donnell, is returning to Guam after successfully completing their Docking Selected Restricted Availability on time and $4 million under budget.

“The crew has done an outstanding job during the DSRA,” said O’Donnell. “I’m incredibly proud of the work they have completed to ensure we are ready to respond when and where we are needed, and I know we are all excited to be home again with our families and friends.

Oklahoma City was docked in the floating dry dock USS Arco in Point Loma for its overhaul, which included nuclear maintenance, a shaft replacement and a factory overhaul of the diesel generator. During the submarine’s time in San Diego, the crew also welcomed a new commanding officer, with O’Donnell taking the helm in August.

“Oklahoma City is a great asset and brings a lot to the fight,” said Capt. David Schappert, commander, Submarine Squadron 15. “Their completion of a successful maintenance period means they are ready to train and operate at the tip of the spear.”

Oklahoma City was commissioned July 9, 1988, and is the second ship of the U.S. Navy named for the capital of Oklahoma. Measuring more than 360 feet long and displacing more than 6,900 tons, Oklahoma City has a crew of approximately 140 sailors. Oklahoma City is capable of supporting various missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

Oklahoma City is a member of Commander, Submarine Squadron 15, which is located at Polaris Point in Apra Harbor, Guam. COMSUBRON 15 staff is responsible for providing training, material and personnel readiness support of four Los Angeles-class attack submarines stationed in Guam. The submarines and submarine tenders USS Frank Cable and USS Emory S. Land are part of the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed naval force and are capable of meeting global operational requirements.

For more news from Commander, Submarine Squadron 15, visit http://www.csp.navy.mil/css15 and https://www.facebook.com/SubmarineSquadron15/.

Thinking of being stationed in Guam? Check out http://www.csp.navy.mil/go-guam/ for more information. (Commander, Submarine Squadron 15 Public Affairs)