Naval Base Guam. (November 19, 2024): In this photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Justin Wolpert, Sailors assigned to the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Jefferson City return to their homeport after completing a western Pacific deployment. Assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron 15 at Polaris Point Naval Base Guam, Jefferson City is one of four Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines forward-deployed in the Pacific.
Manufactured by Newport News Shipbuilding Company and General Dynamics Electric Boat Division, the Los Angeles-class is the heart of the Navy’s submarine fleet with forty-one ships now on active duty. The USS Jefferson City has a crew of sixteen officers and 127 enlisted and was commissioned on February 29,1992.
Affectionally called “Boomers,” this class of submarines are renowned for their speed, stealth, and advanced armament. These vessels are powered by a single nuclear reactor that can achieve speeds of twenty-five plus knots. The sub is quieter than its predecessors making it extremely difficult for enemies to track. In terms of weapons, these submarines are equipped with twelve vertical launch tubes to fire MK48 torpedoes and Tomahawk cruise missiles. Other improvements over the years include incorporating an advanced combat control system and configuring the boats for under-ice operations - their diving planes were moved and sail strengthened for breaking through ice.
The versatile Los Angeles Class is used for undersea warfare, conducting surface strikes, deploying mines, and delivering special forces for clandestine missions. The sub is also deployed for reconnaissance, intelligence collection, and to escort carrier battle groups.
During this voyage, thirty-eight Jefferson City Sailors earned their submarine warfare insignia, a badge signifying their mastery of sub operations at the highest levels.