Home, Sweet, Home

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (November 10, 2005) -- Los Angeles-class nuclear powered attack submarine USS Key West (SSN 722) returned from a six-month Western Pacific deployment to its homeport of Pearl Harbor Thursday, November 10th. The submariners of USS Key West participated in Talisman Sabre, and during their deployment had the opportunity to visit Australia, Japan, and Guam. Photo by JOC (SW/AW) David Rush

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (November 10, 2005) -- Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarine USS Key West (SSN 722) returned from a six-month Western Pacific deployment to its homeport of Pearl Harbor November 10th.

According to Captain Kenneth Sault, Key West’s commanding officer, the deployment was successful thanks to his crew.

“It was a long deployment, but we got a lot of good things done," he said. "We’re happy to be home.”

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (November 10, 2005) -- Sailors aboard the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Key West (SSN 722) place the flower lei on the conning tower of their submarine. Photo by PM3 Victoria A. Tullock

Sault said his crew worked hard and in return got a chance to visit a few excellent ports.

“We went to Australia and participated in Talisman Sabre for about a month," he said. "We visited Brisbane, which was just wonderful.”

In addition to Australia, the submariners also visited Japan and Guam.

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (November 10, 2005) -- Photo by PM3 Victoria A. Tullock

According to Captain Joseph Tofalo, Commodore, Submarine Squadron 3, the submariners aboard Key West performed extremely well.

“They did a fantastic job. I’m really proud of these guys," he said. "They do a lot for our country, and they are the heroes today.”

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (November 10, 2005) -- Photo by JOC David Rush

As for coming home the day before Veterans Day, Tofalo said that it was perfect timing.

“It's extremely appropriate. The legacy of Pearl Harbor and the submarine force is renowned. What a great way to kick off a Veterans Day weekend, having our Sailors come back from deployment and all of the great things they have done,” Tofalo concluded.

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (November 10, 2005) -- A Sailor assigned to the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Key West (SSN 722), reunites with his family after returning home to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Photo by JOC David Rush

Key West is the 35th Los Angeles-class submarine and was commissioned September 12, 1987. The submarine combines the most desired attack qualities, including speed, silence, and powerful weaponry. Key West can be armed with MK-48 and ADCAP torpedoes and the Tomahawk cruise missile.

by JOC (SW/AW) David Rush

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (November 10, 2005) -- Sonar Technician McGary O'Neal, assigned to the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Key West (SSN 722), receives the first kiss from his wife as crew members await their turn to greet there friends and family. Photo by PM3 Victoria A. Tullock

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (November 10, 2005) -- Torpedoman's Mate 3rd Class Ernest R. Williams embraces his wife after returning home to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Photo by PM3 Victoria A. Tullock

Commander Submarine Force, US Pacific Fleet Press Release

Mom's Note: This was the day this mom's favorite Sailor first laid eyes on his new home, The USS Key West (SSN 722), as it pulled into the harbor. I don't think I will ever forget how excited he was when he called home to tell us all about it. What an awesome experience for a Sailor assigned to his first boat.