HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Nuclear-armed U.S. submarines that went more than a decade without calling on foreign ports in part because of post-Sept. 11 security concerns are once again visiting other countries, a shift intended to underscore their global presence
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Nuclear-armed U.S. submarines that went more than a decade without calling on foreign ports in part because of post-Sept. 11 security concerns are once again visiting other countries, a shift intended to underscore their global presence and lift sailor morale.
A stop in September by USS Wyoming in the United Kingdom was the first of what are expected to be occasional visits to foreign ports.
Michael Connor, a retired Navy vice admiral who served until September as commander of the American submarine force, said in an interview with The Associated Press that the change reflects a desire to emphasize that the submarines are all over the world and also to give the crews an experience that is open to sailors on virtually all other Navy ships.
“The fact that a port visit is a possibility, even if it can’t be delivered on every patrol, that is a big deal to the sailors. I know it was a big deal to me,” Connor said. Port visits such as the recent stop in Faslane, Scotland, also promote professional development by reinforcing a crew’s ability to navigate and resupply a sub anywhere in times of crisis, he said.
The Navy has 14 submarines with nuclear warheads that roam the oceans as part of the U.S. strategy to deter an enemy strike.
