Annapolis Visits Republic of Korea During Western Pacific Deployment

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Travis Baley | CHINHAE, Republic of Korea (September 22, 2022) Cmdr. James G. Tuthill, commanding officer of the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Annapolis (SSN 760), is greeted by the commanding officer and crew of Republic of Korea Navy Sohn Won-yil-class submarine ROKS Yu Gwan Sun (SS-078) upon arrival in Chinhae, Republic of Korea, for a scheduled port visit Sept. 22, 2022. During the welcome ceremony, Tuthill participated in a traditional gift exchange with the 5th grade daughter of a Yu Gwan Sun Sailor. As is tradition, the young girl presented a bouquet offlowers to the commanding officer in return for the commanding officer's gift of a teddy bear. Annapolis routinely operates in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, conducting maritime security operations and supporting national security interests. (Photo courtesy of Lt. j.g. Derek Atlas)  

BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA

10.07.2022

Story by Lt.Cmdr. Robert Reinheimer 

Commander, Submarine Group Seven

BUSAN, Republic of Korea – The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Annapolis (SSN 760) departed Busan, Republic of Korea (ROK), Oct. 5, 2022, marking the conclusion of their second port visit to the Republic of Korea as part of a scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific.

“The crew really enjoyed these two port visits,” said Cmdr. James Tuthill, Annapolis’s commanding officer. “Interacting with and learning from our Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) allies helped us further strengthen the cooperation and coordination between our submarine forces. Additionally, this time in port allowed the crew the opportunity to relax and explore the unique cities of Chinhae and Busan.”

While in port in Chinhae, Annapolis conducted exercises with ROKN sailors, showcasing the capabilities of each country’s submarine forces and the importance of readiness and interoperability.

Annapolis Sailors also played a friendly match of soccer against the ROK submarine sailors on the Commander, Submarine Force base.

“We have a dedicated, hard-working crew onboard Annapolis,” said Chief of the Boat Master Chief Machinist’s Mate (Nuclear) Jason Hays. “Visiting Chinhae and Busan were well-deserved by the crew. They were perfect opportunities for Sailors to take in the local culture while forging stronger friendships with our Korean allies.”

ROKN sailors were also able to take tours of the Annapolis to learn more about U.S. submariners and the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine platform.

Measuring more than 360 feet long and weighing more than 6,900 tons when submerged, Annapolis is one of the stealthiest, most technologically advanced submarines of the world. Los Angeles-class submarines support a multitude of missions, to include anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, surveillance and reconnaissance, and strike warfare. Named after Annapolis, Maryland, home of the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis is the fourth ship in U.S. Navy history to bear the name.

With a crew of approximately 150 Sailors, Los Angeles-class fast-attacks submarines make up the majority of the submarine force, with 40 still in service.

Annapolis shifted homeport from San Diego to Apra Harbor, Guam, on March 28, 2022, as part of the U.S. Navy strategic laydown plan for naval forces in the Indo-Pacific region.

For more information on Annapolis, please visit https://www.csp.navy.mil/annapolis.

• Date Taken: 10.07.2022
• Date Posted: 10.07.2022 01:32
• Story ID: 430911
• Location: BUSAN, KR