The improved Los Angeles-class, fast-attack submarine USS Tucson (SSN 770) arrived in Singapore Jan. 24 for a visit as part of its Western Pacific deployment.

With a crew of approximately 147, Tucson will conduct a multitude of missions and showcase the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet.

"USS Tucson continues to support the U.S. Seventh Fleet commander's goals through sustained superior performance underway, while building strong relationships with our partners when in port," said Cmdr. Ted O'Harrah, Tucson's commanding officer.

Tucson's crew has the ability to operate in varying environments and is prepared to tackle any mission that comes their way.

"Everyone in this crew plays an important role whether you are roaming Engine Room Lower Level, cooking food, smashing trash, or running the oxygen generator," said Master Chief Machinist's Mate John Adams, Tucson's Chief of the Boat. "We could not succeed without a full-team effort."

For many of the crew members, this is their first time visiting Singapore.

"I am excited to go on the night-time zoo safari as well as visit the Marina Bay Sands Resort," said Electrician's Mate 3rd Class Nathan Mattern, an electrician onboard Tucson.

Measuring more than 360 feet long, Tucson is one of the stealthiest and most advanced submarines in the world. This submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

Homeported out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Tucson is able to operate in all oceans of the world. Tucson is the 59th Los Angeles-class attack submarine and the 20th of the improved Los Angeles attack submarines to be built.

This article was originally published at: http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=78766