Underneath the command of Cmdr. Clint Christofk, Washington, additionally known as ‘Blackfish’, returns from a six-month deployment the place it executed the Chief of Naval Operations’ maritime technique by supporting nationwide safety curiosity and maritime safety operations.
“The crew onboard Blackfish fought arduous via a troublesome deployment, displaying the tenacity that submariners are recognized for,” mentioned Christofk. “I’m immensely happy with the crew for his or her grit, drive, and dedication to the mission, which allowed Blackfish to finish a historic deployment.”
Washington’s return to Norfolk is simply in time for the vacations, which had the crew, associates and households extra excited than normal for the boat’s return.
“We’re all blissful to be again in Norfolk to relaxation and rejoice the vacations with family members,” mentioned Christofk earlier than saying Washington’s battle cry. “Concern the Blackfish!”
Lt. j.g. Remya Wiley, Washington’s communications officer, shared Christofk’s sentiment.
“It feels wonderful to really feel the solar on my face and to know I am residence,” mentioned Wiley. “I will miss the down occasions after a protracted day of watch and dealing loads the place the crew received to spend time collectively, however everybody is unquestionably extra relaxed and happier that they are now residence with their households in time for the vacations.”
If being residence in time for the vacations was not sufficient to be excited for, Culinary Specialist (Submarine) 1st Class Joel Huffman was one of many first Sailors off the boat to greet his important different with the normal first hug.
“If feels so good to be again residence and to have the chance to be one of many first crewmembers off that boat that I virtually cannot put it into phrases,” Huffman. “We’re all very a lot trying ahead to stress-free and distressing over the vacations after all of the arduous work we did.”
Through the deployment, Washington garnered extra days on station that any east coast deployment on document, had the primary chief intelligence specialist to earn the submarine warfare {qualifications}, often known as ‘dolphins’, and had essentially the most girls ever deployed on a fast-attack submarine, together with one chief petty officer.
Washington steamed greater than 37,000 nautical miles with the crew supporting diplomatic relationships by conducting port visits in Faslane, Scotland, and Grotsund, Norway.
Forty-four enlisted Sailors and 5 officers earned their submarine warfare qualification, often known as ‘dolphins,’ 10 officers promoted, and 4 Sailors reenlisted.
Quick-attack submarines are multi-mission platforms enabling 5 of the six Navy maritime technique core capabilities – sea management, energy undertaking, ahead presence, maritime safety, and deterrence. They’re designed to excel in anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, strike warfare, particular operations, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare and mine warfare. Quick-attack submarines undertaking energy ashore with particular operations forces and Tomahawk cruise missiles within the prevention or preparation of regional crises.
The Virginia-class submarine is 377 ft lengthy and 34 ft large, and weighs about 7,900 tons when submerged. Underwater, it might attain speeds in extra of 25 knots.
