USS San Francisco Returns to San Diego

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS San Francisco (SSN 711) and her crew returned to Naval Base Point Loma after completing a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) region, where they were greeted on the pier by friends and family, Oct. 14.

The homecoming marks the end of the submarine's final deployment of her 35 years of active duty before she steams to the East Coast.

"In my 20 years in the Navy, this is the best deployment I've had," said Cmdr. Jeff Juergens, San Francisco's commanding officer. "It's a testament to the best crew I've had the opportunity to work with. They have done an outstanding job."

While deployed, San Francisco engaged in a wide range of operations supporting both 3rd and 7th Fleets. She steamed over 50,000 nautical miles and had port calls in Singapore, Japan and Guam.

"I'm so glad to have him home," said Amber Baker, wife of Petty Officer 1st Class Trey Baker. "It feels like it's been forever since I've seen him. I'm just overwhelmed."

Prior to arriving home to San Diego, the crew of USS San Francisco conducted a 3rd Fleet Non-Navy Port Operational visit to San Francisco, where they participated in a memorial wreath laying ceremony in her namesake city. The ceremony honored the memory of the 107 lives lost while serving on the heavy cruiser USS San Francisco (CA 38) in the Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II. It also marked the ship's final visit to their namesake city before deactivation later this year.

"By the end of this year we will change homeport to Norfolk, Virginia," said Cmdr. Jeff Juergens, San Francisco's commanding officer. "We will start the conversion process to become a moored training ship (MTS) by the year 2020."

As an MTS, she will help challenge and train a new generation of submariners at the Nuclear Power Training Unit in Charleston, South Carolina.

USS San Francisco's final deployment included maritime security, forward presence, sea control and power projection operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.