First Since World War II

The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Key West, one of four Pacific Fleet submarines that launched missiles into Iraq in March, will return home July 24, 2003. Its skipper, Commander Chuck Merkel, is the first submarine commander since World War II to lead his crew in back-to-back combat operations. During the Afghanistan campaign, the Key West was the first warship in the North Arabian Gulf a day after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

by Gregg K. Kakesako

Honolulu Star-Bulletin