USS Alexandria Arrives at PNSY
Fast attack submarine USS Alexandria (SSN 757) and her crew of 13 officers and 120 enlisted personnel arrived Wednesday, Oct. 23 at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. 
While at the shipyard, Alexandria will complete various maintenance work and several system upgrades. Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is committed to maximizing the material readiness of the Fleet by safely delivering first-time quality, on-time and on-budget.
Alexandria is the third ship of the United States Navy to bear the name that is shared by the cities of both Louisiana and Virginia and the seventh "Improved" Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered submarine. The improved modifications of this class include retractable bow planes, a reinforced sail for under ice operations, vertical launch Tomahawk Cruise Missile capability, ship quieting enhancements, and an integrated combat systems suite. Assigned to the Atlantic Fleet, Alexandria was commissioned June 29, 1991, and is homeported in Groton, Conn.
Alexandria recently conducted a six-month deployment from October 2012 through April 2013 to the U.S. Africa Command and European Command areas of responsibility where it executed the nation's maritime strategy in supporting national security interests and national security operations. During the deployment, Alexandria covered more than 34,000 nautical miles.
Alexandria’s Commanding Officer, Commander Bret M. Grabbe earned a bachelor’s of science in Electrical Engineering from Kansas State University and was commissioned in September 1996. He holds a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College.
Cmdr. Grabbe’s operational assignments include tours of duty on the nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine USS Alaska (SSBN 732), and nuclear-powered fast attack submarines USS Memphis (SSN 691) and USS Providence (SSN 719).
Ashore, Cmdr. Grabbe served at Nuclear Power Training Unit, Ballston Spa, NY, and Commander Submarine Development Squadron TWELVE, Groton, CT.
On Aug 1, 2013, Cmdr. Grabbe assumed command of USS Alexandria (SSN 757).
Alexandria’s host community is the City of Biddeford, Maine.
PNSY Returns Pittsburgh to the Fleet
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) safely delivered Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Pittsburgh (SSN 720) on-time and under budget, Aug. 2.
PNSY conducted the Pittsburgh pre-inactivation restricted availability (PIRA) off-yard at Sub Base New London in Groton, Conn. which began Sept. 5. Although PNSY routinely performs work off-yard, this was the first major Chief of Naval Operations availability of more than 100,000 man days which PNSY executed outside of Kittery, Maine.
"Off-yard availabilities are unique and require an all-inclusive team mentality from planning to execution," said Don Robinson, deputy project superintendent. "The can-do attitude of our entire team made small work of even first-time challenges throughout the execution period."
The project team and crew's combined pride and work ethic drove them to success as they met the overhaul's key dates including undocking three days early - none of which would have been possible without the maintenance partnership with the Pittsburgh crew lead by commanding officer, Cmdr. William Solomon.
"Cmdr. Solomon and the crew of Pittsburgh were side-by-side with the shipyard in overcoming each and every obstacle," said, Capt. James Kalowsky, PNSY operations officer. "They truly exemplified the ship's motto and displayed a 'heart of steel.'"
The on-time and on-budget completion of submarine availabilities is critical in the maintenance of today's fleet and is essential to maintaining readiness. PNSY remains devoted to the technical excellence and judiciousness that is required to meet schedule and budget demands.
"This shipyard has been providing for the defense of this country and maintaining the Navy for more than 200 years," said Capt. William Greene, shipyard commander. "The platforms may have changed from sailing ships to nuclear-powered submarines but one thing that will always remain is the traditional Portsmouth quality work which continues to safely deliver excellence for the nation and the Navy."
PNSY, a field activity of the Naval Sea Systems Command, is committed to maximizing the material readiness of the fleet by safely delivering first-time quality, on-budget, and on-time.
Official command questions should be directed to the Shipyard Congressional and Public Affairs Office, (207) 438-1525.