U.S.S.
TUCSON
History
USS Tucson (SSN 770) is the second ship of the United States Navy to bear the name of this Arizona city. The first TUCSON was a light cruiser, designated CL-98, built by Bethlehem Steel Co. in San Francisco and commissioned on February 3, 1945. Following shakedown and training cruises, TUCSON was assigned to screening duty for Fast Carrier Task Force, TF-38. TUCSON joined the fast carriers in mid-1945 in time to participate in their final assault on the Japanese Empire and its inner defenses. Following the surrender of Japan on September 2, 1945, TUCSON remained in the Far East and helped support occupation forces moving into Japan. For the next four years, TUCSON performed various gunnery and antiaircraft training missions for the Pacific Fleet. On June 11, 1949, TUCSON was decommissioned and berthed with the San Francisco Group of the Pacific Reserve. For her service during the waning years of World War II, TUCSON earned one battle star.
The new TUCSON (SSN-770) is the 59th Los Angeles class attack submarine and the 20th of the Improved-Los Angeles class attack submarines to be built. She is the 51st nuclear powered submarine built for the United States Navy by Newport News Shipbuilding and is the Shipyard's 27th in the Los Angeles class. Her construction began on 10 June 1988 and her keel was laid 20 September 1991. She was christened on 19 March 1994 by Ms. Diane C. Kent, wife of the Honorable Gerald A. Cann, former Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition.
Submarines of the Los Angeles class are the most advanced vessels in the world. Their mission: to hunt down and destroy enemy naval forces alone or in battle group operations, lay mines off enemy ports, provide covert intelligence, support Navy, Army, and Air Force special operations forces and conduct cruise missile strikes against targets ashore.
Twelve Vertical launch missile tubes for Tomahawk cruise missiles provide the TUCSON with great offensive capabilities and strategic value. Retractable bow planes give the ship increased maneuverability and under ice surfacing potential.
Able to operate in all ocean area of the world, TUCSON's stealth, endurance, mobility and responsiveness make her a formidable force in multiple mission roles.
