Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class James Phelps | OKINAWA, Japan (Dec. 6, 2021) – The Emory S. Land-class submarine tender USS Frank...... read more read more
The Emory S. Land-class submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) moored at White Beach, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 6.
This is the first time that the submarine tender has moored pier-side in Okinawa.
Though White Beach Naval Facility is mainly used by the Marine Corps as a staging area to bring their equipment aboard amphibious naval ships, Frank Cable is once again proving the versatility of the ship in today’s ever-changing military environment.
“Mooring in White Beach, Okinawa is a first-time event for both Frank Cable and for U.S. Navy submarine tenders,” said Captain Albert Alarcon, Frank Cable's commanding officer. “Besides validating submarine tender access and sustainability in Okinawa, this provides another option for supporting submarines and surface combatants in the Pacific Theater.”
This is the fifth port visit during Frank Cable’s fall patrol and fourth port of call in the country of Japan. Prior to pulling into Okinawa, Frank Cable’s crew hosted Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) distinguished visitors, including Vice Adm. Yoshitaka Ozama, commander, Fleet Submarine Forces Japan, in Yokohama; conducted tender operations with the JMSDF Soryu-class submarine JS Sekiryu (SS 508) in Kure; and provided expeditionary repairs to America-class amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in Sasebo.
As Frank Cable’s mooring lines were doubled up and the accommodation ladder was lowered to the pier, Rear Adm. Christopher Engdahl, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7/commander, Amphibious Force, 7th Fleet came aboard to visit crew and tour the ship.
“This class of ship keeps the fleet armed and running because of the phenomenally skilled Sailors and civilian mariners that crew her,” said Engdahl. “Frank Cable provides essential services to submarine forces but leverages opportunities like this one to provide broader Fleet expeditionary repairs in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. I’m truly impressed by the incredible expeditionary repair and rearm capabilities this platform possesses.”
Okinawa gives Frank Cable yet another opportunity to promote stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region, demonstrate commitment to regional partners, and foster growing relationships.
Frank Cable departed Apra Harbor, Guam, Oct. 18 for their deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.
Frank Cable, forward-deployed to the island of Guam, repairs, rearms, and reprovisions submarines and surface vessels in the Indo-Pacific region. Frank Cable is on patrol conducting expeditionary maintenance and logistics in support of national security in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.
Under Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with 35 maritime nations in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
| Date Taken: | 12.06.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 12.09.2021 19:01 |
| Story ID: | 410850 |
| Location: | OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 270 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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