By Lt. James Stockman, USS Philadelphia Public Affairs
GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- The fast-attack submarine USS Philadelphia (SSN 690) returned home to friends and family at Naval Submarine Base New London, Jan. 24, after a successful six-month deployment as part of the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Carrier Strike Group (CSG).
Philadelphia played a crucial role as the only submarine assigned to the CSG. Philadelphia brought stealth, endurance, mobility, agility and persistence while executing multi-mission tasking in direct support of the war on terrorism.
"The crew did an outstanding job and performed all missions superbly," said Cmdr. Jeff Jablon, Philadelphia's commanding officer. "They achieved success at everything they did."
Equipped with the latest technology, Philadelphia delivered time-sensitive information to national and military decision makers, contributing significantly to the nation's security.
Primarily deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations, Philadelphia conducted operations in support of U.S. Central Command objectives. Philadelphia's crew of highly trained submarine warriors achieved excellence while executing tasking under demanding circumstances.
"The superb job that Philadelphia did in accomplishing all mission tasking during deployment is a clear example as to why they were selected as our squadron's Battle E winner," said Capt. Emil Casciano, Submarine Squadron 2 commodore.
The crew also visited Toulon, France; Rota, Spain and Aquaba, Jordan.
With stealth, persistence, agility and firepower, fast-attack submarines like Philadelphia are multi-mission capable – able to deploy and support special forces operations, disrupt and destroy an adversary's military and economic operations at sea, provide early strike from close proximity and ensure undersea superiority.
