Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Rashan Jefferson | 250929-N-DO408-1733 NAVAL BASE POINT LOMA, Calif. (Sept. 29, 2025) Cmdr. Eric Knepper,...... read more read more
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NAVAL BASE POINT LOMA – Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Santa Fe (SSN 763) returned to its homeport of Naval Base Point Loma following a six-month deployment to the U.S. Indo-Pacific command area of responsibility, Sept. 29, 2025.
“The ‘Iron Saint’ deployed with the best young Americans our nation has to offer,” said Cmdr. Eric Knepper, Santa Fe’s commanding officer. “During our deployment, Santa Fe Sailors invested in the mission, our team, and the future of the submarine force, bringing an asymmetric advantage to the maritime domain as America’s apex predators.”
Throughout the regularly scheduled deployment, Santa Fe demonstrated professionalism, resiliency, and the U.S.’ commitment to our Allies and partners. The crew conducted port visits in Yokosuka and Sasebo, Japan, and Guam, and participated in multi-national exercises in the Pacific, strengthening interoperability among like-minded nations and reinforcing the shared commitment to peace through strength in the region.
Santa Fe participated in Submarine Exercise (SUBEX) 25-1 alongside a submarine from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), advancing joint submarine capabilities and showcasing the U.S. Navy and JMSDF’s ability to seamlessly operate while underway in the Pacific.
“I am honored Santa Fe was selected to represent the U.S. Submarine Force in multi-national naval exercises in the Pacific,” said Knepper. “These exercises, which included air, surface, and subsurface assets from multiple nations, demonstrated our ability to execute complex missions and maintain dominance in support of America’s top priorities and interests.”
During the deployment, Santa Fe Sailors accomplished over 1,000 specialty and watch standing qualifications, and 4 officers and 33 enlisted Sailors earned their submarine warfare qualifications.
“The crew’s determination to perfect their roles in our combat team and pursue qualifications to guarantee Santa Fe’s future was rewarding and made the hard work worth it,” said Senior Chief Electrician’s Mate (Nuclear) Jeremy Bauman. “I am proud to be a part of the Santa Fe team!”
During the port visits to Yokosuka and Sasebo, Santa Fe Sailors had the opportunity to experience the Japanese culture and strengthen friendships.
“This deployment I was able to experience the Western Pacific like never before with multiple ports in Japan,” said Sonar Technician (Submarines) 2nd Class Kevin Boyd. “First, Yokosuka allowed me to experience Japan’s outstanding public transit system, coming from a New Yorker, and then I was able to indulge in myself in the urban food culture of Tokyo and Southern Japan while in Sasebo.”
Commissioned on January 8, 1994, Santa Fe is the second vessel to be named after the capital of New Mexico. The nearly 360-foot ship is manned by roughly 15 officers and about 140 enlisted Sailors.
Santa Fe is one of four Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron 11, capable of supporting various missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, strike warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
| Date Taken: | 09.29.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.29.2025 17:57 |
| Story ID: | 549627 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 426 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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