US fast-attack submarine visits Subic

MANILA, Philippines - A fast-attack submarine from the United States arrived at Subic Bay last week as part of its Indo-Asia-Pacific deployment.

Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Tucson (SSN 770) is one of the stealthiest and most advanced submarines in the world, according to the US Embassy in Manila.

The submarine's crew of approximately 150 will conduct missions and showcase the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet while in the country.

"The men have worked and trained hard to prepare the ship for deployment and their performance over the past 11 months has been nothing less than exceptional," USS Tucson chief Billy Daly Jr. said.

The Tucson measures 360 feet long and is capable of supporting missions such as anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

The submarine carries 12 vertical launch tubes for Tomahawk cruise missiles and four torpedo tubes which provide offensive capabilities and strategic value.

The Tucson is home-poted in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and is able to operate in all oceans of the world.

Last month, US Navy submarine USS Key West arrived at Subic Bay for a routine port visit as part of its deployment to the Western Pacific.