USS Cheyenne Returns to Pearl Harbor After 6 Month Deployment

The last of the improved Los Angeles-class submarines, USS Cheyenne (SSN 773), returned home June 14 to Pearl Harbor after completing a successful six-month Western Pacific deployment.

With a crew of approximately 150 Sailors, Cheyenne visited Subic Bay, Philippines; Busan, South Korea; Yokosuka, Japan; and Guam. Cheyenne's deployment allowed the crew to test the capabilities of the ship, employ the ship tactically and test their ability to conduct sustained forward-deployed operations away from port.

Cmdr. Noel Gonzalez says the crew enjoyed the last six months a lot. We started with an end in mind, which was the safe execution of the deployment, mission accomplishment and a safe return to our loved ones who have supported us every day since we left. To them, I say Bravo Zulu.

Cheyenne, one of the most capable fast-attack submarines in the U.S. Navy, carries enhanced war-fighting capabilities include vertical-launch cruise missiles, advanced sonar systems and a state-of-the-art engine room. This sophisticated design provides Cheyenne the ability to operate in any of the world's oceans, making the ship ready for any mission.

Homeported in Pearl Harbor, USS Cheyenne is named after the city of Cheyenne, Wyoming. The Ship's Sponsor, Ann Simpson, wife of former Senator Alan Simpson of Wyoming, christened Cheyenne on April 1, 1995. The ship has lived by the city's motto, "Live the Legend."

In 2001, Cheyenne earned the distinction of the first to strike when she was the first ship to launch Tomahawk missiles in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Since then, the submariners aboard have modified the motto to "Ride the Legend," representative of the warrior spirit of the crew and the pride they take in their mission and sponsor city.