Skipper Makes History

Commander Chuck Merkel
Photo by COMSUBPAC

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (March 25, 2003) -- Tomahawk cruise missiles were launched and history was made.

For the first time since World War II, a submarine commanding officer is leading his crew through two consecutive combat deployments.

Commander Chuck Merkel departed Pearl Harbor with his attack submarine, USS Key West (SSN 722) on January 24, 2003 for a six-month deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

"I feel ready and confident to take the crew and the ship on this deployment," Merkel said. "Again, we are fully ready to answer the nation's call and any taskings that may be asked of us."

During his last six-month deployment, the crew was on their way to a liberty port in Bahrain when they were notified of the September 11, 2001 attacks. The submarine was immediately diverted to the North Arabian Sea.

"Our last deployment really shows why we have a Navy and a submarine force," Merkel said. "We transitioned from a ten-day transit to a ten-week war patrol. We answered every call and we were ready to complete everything we were tasked to do."

In fact, USS Key West was the first US warship to be on station and within Tomahawk strike missile range following the attacks. The second was USS Providence (SSN 719), also a Los Angeles attack submarine.

The United States began air strikes against targets in Iraq on March 19, 2003.

Today, Key West is one of the thirty US Navy and coalition warships assigned to Naval Forces Central Command and is actively participating in Tomahawk Land Attack Missile Operations to disarm Iraq. Targets include command and control facilities, early-warning radar sites and surface-to-surface missile systems.

"I feel that my previous deployments have certainly prepared me as commanding officer, for what lies ahead and I couldn't be more proud to lead USS Key West on deployment again to answer the nation's call," said the commanding officer.

"This time around we have less than half the crew from last deployment, so this is a first time deployment for many of my crew," he added. "I am completely confident in them. We've gone through extensive training and we've worked really hard to prepare for this deployment. I'm very proud of our accomplishments from last deployment and I am positive that we will successfully accomplish our mission."

According to Merkel, the crew is the key ingredient to a successful deployment.

"These are magnificent ships and the crew is the true treasure. Each one of them makes Key West complete. Their skills, their compassion and their unique interests combine, adding to the overall strength of USS Key West."

USS Key West is armed with the most sophisticated Mark 48 antisubmarine torpedoes and Tomahawk missiles. The submarine carries a crew of 130 men and is attached to Submarine Squadron Three.

by JO2 Cori Rhea

Commander Submarine Force, US Pacific Fleet Press Release