The US Navy’s USS Mississippi nuclear-powered submarine has arrived in South Korea as part of its maiden voyage to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, says US military statement.
With a crew of approximately 141 Sailors, Mississippi will conduct a multitude of missions while maintaining proficiency of the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet.
“This port call to Busan is a great opportunity,” said Cmdr. Eric Rozek, Mississippi’s Commanding Officer. “The visit allows the crew to contact their loved ones back home following several weeks at sea. At the same time, my Sailors will also get the unique opportunity to experience the heritage, culture and history of Korea and continue to strengthen our relationship with one of our Western Pacific partners.”
Part of the Navy’s 7th fleet, the Virginia-class attack sub is on its maiden voyage with a crew of 141 sailors. The nuclear submarine "will conduct a multiple of missions while maintaining proficiency of the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet."
The 78-hundred-ton Virginia-class submarine of the U.S. Pacific Fleet was commissioned in June 2012. The ship is 114-point-eight meters long, around ten meters wide and has 137 crew members.
It has a maximum speed of 34 knots and is capable of simultaneously firing 12 Tomahawk cruise missiles. It is also equipped with four torpedo launchers. All of the ship’s devices are digitalized.
The statement describes the Mississippi as "one of the most technologically advanced and stealthiest submarines in the world," and stresses that "she adds tremendous capabilities from the undersea domain to provide the United States and allies and partners with anti-submarine, anti-surface, strike, naval special warfare involving special operations forces and mine warfare."
The US currently maintains 28,500 soldiers in South Korea.