Pasadena — the Sub, Not the City — Plays Major Role in Defending the United States’ West Coast

Few local residents are aware of the fact that Pasadena plays an important role in defending the United States… at sea.

The USS Pasadena (SSN 752) is a Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine deployed to the U.S. Seventh Fleet.

This past Friday, the Pasadena to its homeport in San Diego where it was greeted enthusiastically be families and friends of its crew.

“I couldn’t be any more proud of the crew,” said Commander Mark Cooper. “They trained exceptionally hard in the months leading up to the deployment, did what was asked of them for six months and now we’re back home, ready to relax and spend some well-earned time with our families.”

Pasadena steamed into its homeport Naval Base Point Loma past noon, just as naval families were getting ready to take part in Fourth of July activities in the base.

The nuclear-powered submarine set out from San Diego on January 2 and steamed more than 40,000 nautical miles during the deployment. The crew conducted port visits to Okinawa, Yokosuka and Sasebo in Japan; Busan, Republic of Korea; Singapore and Guam.

During the port calls, the crew acted as ambassadors of goodwill, which Cooper said “strengthened our bonds with each host nation, allowing for future visits, and on a larger scale, promoting regional security.”

Pasadena conducted routine patrols throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region during this deployment. They also operated with other Navy ships in conducting maritime security operations that in the Navy’s view promote stability and peace and develop key partnerships with allies in the region.

A number of crewmembers received their submarine qualifications while deployed with Pasadena, while three officers and 21 enlisted men were promoted.

Pasadena was commissioned Feb. 11, 1989, and became the first improved 688-class submarine to deploy in July 1991. Measuring more than 360 feet long and displacing more than 6,900 tons, Pasadena has a crew of approximately 140 Sailors.

Pasadena is capable of supporting various missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike warfare, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.