April Lankmark

Pg. 15 -- You read about sub tender, USS Bushnell (AS 2), in last month’s issue.

This month features the Bushnell and its importance during WWII in the sub force.

Pg. 07 -- Land Sailors teamed up with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO-FIVE (HSC 25), during an exercise simulating torpedo recovery.

April 2017 | Vol. VIII | Iss. IV

An official publication of the USS Emory S. Land.

Pg. 07 -- Women’s History Month is women’s equality combined with their achievements to overcome the odds.

One Sailor is still making women’s history as the Land’s Command Management Equal Opportunity officer.

L AN D M ARK magazine is an authorized publication for Sailors aboard the USS Emory S. Land (AS 39). Contents herein are not the views of, or endorsed, by the United States goverment, Department of Defense, Department of the Navy, or the Commanding Officer of the USS Emory S. Land. All news, photos, and information for publication in Landmark magazine must be submitted to the Public Affairs Officer.

Magazine produced by USS Emory S. Land Media Services.

USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) is manned by an integrated crew of Sailors and civilian Mariners under the administrative control of Commander Submarine Force, United States Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and operational control of Commander, Submarine Group 7, Yokosuka, Japan. As a forward-deployed naval force, USS Emory S. Land is tasked to provide expeditionary intermediate level maintence and repairs, as well as hotel service, and logistics support to deployed Guided Missile and Fast Attack submarines deployed in the 5th, 6th, and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility.

USS Emory S. Land is additionally capable of providing repair and logistic services to deployed surface combatants and ships.

USS Emory S. Land is a fully capable and mission-ready Afloat Fleet Maintence Activity poised to keep the fleet in the fight.

MEDIA SERVICES DIVISION PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER Lt. Brad Newsad LEADING PETTY OFFICER MC1(SW) Timmy Wakefield

COMMAND TRIAD

MEDIA SERVICES Ext. 7497 MC2(SW/AW)

COMMANDING OFFICER

Oliver Cole

Capt. Douglas Bradley MC2 EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Alex Miller

Cmdr. Robert Lopez MC3(SW) COMMAND MASTER CHIEF

Jason Amadi

CMDCM William Greene MC3 Daniel Willoughby

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PG. 07 LEADERSHIP

POLARIS POINT, Guam (March 14, 2017) Sailors assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC 25), the Island Knights, in a Knighthawk MH60S use a MK-2 recovery cage to recover a MK-30 target shape from the water during exercise-torpedo recovery training at Polaris Point on Naval Base Guam. USS Emory S. Land and HSC 25 support fleet training by providing exercise-torpedo recovery capabilities. Emory S. Land provides maintenance, hotel services and logistical support to submarines and surface ships in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Oliver Cole/Released)

Pg. 03 -- Captain’s Call Pg. 05 -- Q&A with Command Master Chief

FEATURES Pg. 07 -- Torpedo Recovery Exercise Pg. 11 -- Sea Story: Helping in a Time of Need Pg. 13 -- Women’s History Month: Making History Pg. 15 -- USS Bushnell Part II Pg. 17 -- Victory for the Nobodys Pg. 19 -- Preparing for Chamorro Heritage Month in Merizo

ON THE COVER

POLARIS POINT, Guam (March 2, 2017) The submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) tends to the Los Angeles-class attack submarines USS Chicago (SSN 721), right, and USS Pasadena (SSN 752), left. Emory S. Land, homeported in Guam, provides maintenance, hotel services and logistical support to submarines and surface ships in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel Willoughby/Released)

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FROM THE COMMANDING OFFICER

CAPTAIN’S CALL

Hafa Adai friends, family and crew of Emory S. Land!

March is Women’s History Month, with this year’s theme focusing on past, present and future accomplishments. I think that’s a great lens through which to view the contributions women have made to our Navy. From the first female embarkation on a Navy vessel in 1862, to the increased efforts of women in World Wars I and II, to present day, women have played more and more of an important role in the mission readiness of our Navy.

Fast forward to present day, we have women serving on every platform and in all ranks from E-1 to four-star admiral. We’re using all the skills and talents in our country, male and female, to execute our mission and we’re getting better and better at doing that across the board.

In recent years, I’ve had the opportunity to benefit from strong female leadership. When I was assigned to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Catherine Warner, the staff science advisor to the Secretary of Defense. As a senior executive service federal civilian, she was the equivalent of a flag officer. She was an incredibly talented leader who taught me a lot. Although she held a difficult job in the Pentagon and volunteered for a deployment in Afghanistan, she was also a family woman with a spouse and children. I have the utmost respect for her and learned a lot from her advice and counsel at the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

More recently, in the short time I got to interact with Admiral Bolivar on Guam, she had a positive energy about her. I went to a GAIN (Guam Animals in Need) event to volunteer at one of our ship’s events and had a conversation with someone there about Admiral Bolivar and her passion for animals. We shared a love for dogs and she often went there and offered her service

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and interacted with the community here on Guam. As a leader, her efforts to outreach here were phenomenal and that example is something that I’ll continue to carry in mind moving forward.

On the subject of community outreach efforts here on Guam, I’d like to thank all the Sailors who volunteered this month during our community relations events in the Merizo village. Merizo is a new partnership and they were excited to have us come alongside with them and help out. I think there will be a lot of good opportunities throughout the year for our Sailors to participate and give back to the Merizo and other Guam communities.

Earlier this month USS Frank Cable left for her docking availability. I’d like to commend Sailors from both tenders for the successful integration of approximately 360 Frank Cable Sailors into our repair department. I’d like to recognize those Sailors contributing to the combined repair footprint here on the Guam waterfront. If you look at any of the maintenance being done here, you’ll typically see Sailors wearing both commands’ patches and ball caps on any of the maintenance teams we have and I’m particularly proud of that effort. We’re two ships, but one maintenance team committed to one mission.

Lastly, in the wake of some of the recent issues in the Department of Defense, I’d like to reiterate that I’m proud of what our Sailors have done in honoring my expectations that we be honest, be safe, be respectful and be ready as we move forward.

CAPT DOUGLAS A. BRADLEY COMMANDING OFFICER, USN

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QUESTION & ANSWER

COMMAND MASTER CHIEF WILLIAM L. GREENE

Now that the Cable Sailors are here, are there any other changes on the horizon?

We’re establishing an indoctrination team and indoctrination division. The purpose behind this is simple; getting our Sailors qualified in the duty sections. This is going to work by establishing an indoctrination division. They will be in this division for a few months before they actually go into their divisions. We’ve had some growing pains with eight-section duty, but hopefully if we can get everybody qualified, we can make a nine or ten-section duty come into fruition.

What needs to be worked on to better prepare the ship and crew to go underway?

Typhoon readiness is very important. We need to make sure everyone knows there part if a typhoon happens. This means Sailors need to understand where they will muster and if they need to come underway in the event of a casualty. We will hold trainings to effectively meet this criteria. Safety is paramount and knowing your role will make this work better, more efficiently, and overall safer for the entire crew.

How have alcohol-related incidents been impacted by recent preventative measures?

There has a been a considerable decrease in the amount of underage drinking. There has been a decrease in breathalyser failures when reporting for duty. We’ve increased barracks room inspections and increased accountability across the board for all Sailors. I think all around people have learned from prior mistakes and are doing well moving forward.

What kind of feedback have you been receiving?

The crew suggested a lot of great ideas and we’re working on a lot of them to improve quality of life. Along with those suggestions come work, so finding the right Sailors to initiate and integrate your suggestions is happening. Please keep the feedback coming because it doesn’t go unnoticed or unanswered. Sometimes it takes a while to implement and change things, but that’s what it takes to make the plan become successful.

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TORPEDO RECOVERY EXERCISE Photos by MC2 Oliver Cole USS Emory S. Land Journalist

POLARIS POINT, Guam (March 14, 2017) Sailors assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC 25), the Island Knights, in a Knighthawk MH-60S transport a MK-30 target shape during exercise-torpedo recovery training at Polaris Point on Naval Base Guam. USS Emory S. Land and HSC 25 support fleet training by providing exercise-torpedo recovery capabilities.

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TORPEDO RECOVERY EXERCISE

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POLARIS POINT, Guam (March 14, 2017) Three Sailors assigned to the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) observe a Knighthawk MH60S from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC 25), the Island Knights, lift a MK-2 recovery cage during exercise-torpedo recovery training at Polaris Point on Naval Base Guam. Emory S. Land and HSC 25 support fleet training by providing exercise-torpedo recovery capabilities.

(Top) Three Sailors assigned to the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) assist members of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC 25), the Island Knights, attach a MK-2 recovery cage to Knighthawk MH-60S during exercise-torpedo recovery training at Polaris Point on Naval Base Guam.

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(Bottom) A Sailor assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC 25), the Island Knights, prepare to launch a Knighthawk MH-60S during exercise-torpedo recovery training at Polaris Point on Naval Base Guam. USS Emory S. Land and HSC 25 support fleet training by providing exercise-torpedo recovery capabilities.

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SEA STORY

HELPING IN A TIME OF NEED

In January 2010, Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Brittany Saulsberry

arrived at Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, Haiti to provide aid after a devastating earthquake. USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) personnel greeted her and her companions at the terminal in a bus to begin the trip to the Comfort. The driver advised passengers to keep the blinds on their windows shut as they set off just after nightfall. As the bus made its way to the waterfront, Saulsberry peeked through her blinds and observed her surroundings.

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Story by MC2 Alex Miller USS Emory S. Land Journalist

BY THE END OF OUR TOUR, PEOPLE WERE GRATEFUL WE CAME THERE.

“I saw torn-down and crumbled buildings,” said Saulsberry, now an ensign and the disbursing officer on board the USS Emory S. Land. “I saw kids on motorbikes with guns and other weapons.”

When the military arrived in Haiti, they experienced distrust and hostility from the locals. The initial resistance caused Saulsberry challenges performing even the most basic aspects of her duties.

“They were standing with guns at the doorways to homes,” said Saulsberry. “Going in was like coming onto base, you had to check in with the guard.”

When her two months in Haiti ended, Saulsberry left with an impression nearly opposite of the one she arrived with.

“I met a lot of great people including kids from shelters who didn’t have anything,” said Saulsberry. “One specific little boy, we called him John Doe, he was blind and had a bad skin disease, yet we loved being around him, and he loved being nurtured.”

It took time for Saulsberry and her colleagues to build those relationships and establish trust with the locals.

“For you to get to know and understand anyone you work with, you have to observe,” said Saulsberry. “As I observed, I saw the different character traits, who I could trust and not trust, and built relationships with those people. By the end of our tour, people were grateful we came.”

Saulsberry had to fill a variety of roles to support the mission in Haiti.

“I was the corpsman on the flight deck,” said Saulsberry. “I also worked in the sickbay in the morning and assisted in the operating rooms, especially with the children.”

Working with children provided the Comfort crew with a unique set of challenges, but

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Saulsberry quickly showed a strong ability to calm the children.

“If you have a child, they’re scared of their surroundings,” said Saulsberry. “They have that person who they’re used to who takes care of them. I was there to comfort them before surgery and take care of them after. Some children, even if you have years of experience, won’t come to you.

They only trust certain people; I was a person they felt comfortable with.”

Saulsberry comforted John Doe in the operating room when he had surgery and built a bond with him during his recovery.

“After I finished work, I’d go and make sure he was ok,” said Saulsberry. “I taught him little things here and there, like how to eat with silverware.”

Saulsberry’s time with John Doe helped her appreciate her role in the relief efforts and gain a positive impression of the experience after the difficult start.

“I knew I was doing good things when a child who never knew me hugged me and wouldn’t let go,” said Saulsberry. “If you have a child who never lets go, you know you’re making a difference.”

Saulsberry’s time in Haiti is part of a larger history of her volunteer efforts, which continue today.

“Volunteering in Haiti pushed me to want to go help out more,” said Saulsberry. “I went to Afghanistan the next year.”

Saulsberry’s upbringing motivated her to assist those around her.

“Where I’m from, I didn’t get to see as much,” said Saulsberry. “I’m from Oak Cliff in Dallas, Texas. When I grew up I saw kids my age going to jail, getting killed, and flunking out of school even though these are some of the most intelligent people I’ve ever known. I like to do good things for the kids and help out wherever I go.”

From Oak Cliff, to Haiti, to Afghanistan, to

LSCS HERNANDEZ MAKING

HISTORY WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

of your rank,” said Hernandez. “If there is a problem, try to solve it at the lowest level possible before it escalates and turns into something bigger that can’t be controlled.”

Her message to the crew is as the command climate specialist, but that’s not the only advice she has to give.

She encourages Sailors to work hard for their goals every day.

“The advice I give Sailors about accomplishing their goals, is don’t stop at the first person who tells you no,” said Hernandez. “Someone up there will recognize you are worth it and give you a chance. It’s the only way you are really going to achieve your goals and get where you want to be.”

Her career path has not followed the usual logistics specialist’s roadmap. She started out as an aviation storekeeper and then went to Hawaii as an independent storekeeper. From there, she took an assignment in the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) community where she spent seven years. After her time with NSW, Hernandez went to Naval Supply Fleet Logistics Center in San Diego, and now she’s assigned to the Land.

Hernandez said she was told that she would never make the rank of Chief Petty Officer without being assigned to an aircraft carrier. Without going to a carrier, she earned her anchors at her first eligibility. Again, she was told she would never make the rank of Senior Chief

The total force of females in the armed forces is 10%. The total force of E-8s in the armed forces is 3%. Being a senior chief and a woman makes this category slimmer with a 0.3% chance.

Story and photos by MC2 Oliver Cole USS Emory S. Land Journalist A sailor assigned to the USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) is in this small percentage and made history assuming the duties of the Safety Department Leading Chief Petty Officer and the Command Climate Specialist.

“I’m the first female command climate specialist on board Emory S. Land,” said Senior Chief Logistics Specialist Thea Hernandez. The title makes her the first female command climate specialist aboard a ship.

As the command climate specialist, her responsibilities are to promote positive command morale and quality of life, providing an atmosphere in which all personnel can perform to their maximum ability.

It’s her duty to create, shape, and maintain a positive command environment through policy, communication, training, education, enforcement and assessment.

She also handles equal opportunity issues dealing with discrimination due to race, color, religion, gender or national origin stereotypes.

“Treat each other with respect and dignity regardless 13

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HEY , SHE’S DOING IT. WE CAN DO IT.

Petty Officer without going to a carrier. And again, she proved her nay-sayers wrong by earning her stars without being assigned to a carrier.

“Throughout my career, I’ve had such an unorthodox career path, especially when I joined Special Warfare,” said Hernandez as she reflected on her naval journey. “I joined the community back in 2008 when there were not very many women in that community. I had to force my way in and I had to prove to everyone else that I can be as good or even better as the men. I may not be as strong as them, or run as fast or swim as fast as them, but I bring something unique to the table as a woman.”

She encourages young women and all Sailors to follow through with their goals and dreams regardless of gender.

“I honestly don’t know if I inspire others,” said, Hernandez, “but other women, especially younger Sailors, look at me and say ‘hey, she’s doing it, we can do it.’ Women my age or my rank, see me doing something and they say I’m crazy. I say, if I can do it, you can do it. You just have to focus more and be strong mentally.”

As Emory S. Land’s first female command climate specialist, she is proof that women are still making history in the Navy.

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USS Bushnell -- Part II --

Researched and written by MC3 Daniel Willoughby Source: Naval History and Heritage Command After the efforts of the USS Bushnell (AS-2) in World War I, the ship continued operations with multiple submarine divisions along the east coast of the United States, the Caribbean, the west coast of the United States, and South America. In July of 1940, the ship was designated as AG-32 (miscellaneous auxiliary) and in August, the ship was renamed Sumner after Thomas Sumner, a pioneer of navigation techniques.

In the fall and early winter of 1941, Sumner joined the U.S. Pacific Fleet in San Diego, and arrived at Pearl Harbor’s submarine base on November 25, 1941.

At 7:57 a.m. on December 7, 1941, the signal watch and quartermaster aboard the Sumner sighted 10 dive bombers over the Navy Yards and gave the alarm. The “day which will live in infamy” had begun, as Japanese planes attacked Pearl Harbor.

Sumner went to general quarters, and crew members manned the anti-aircraft (AA) guns and 50-caliber machine guns (MGs).The gun crews immediately opened fire, and were reported to be the first in the area to do so.

As the minutes and hours rolled by, multiple planes passed within hundreds of yards of the Sumner, and the crew continued to defend against dive bombers, torpedo planes, and light bombers attacking other ships 16

in the harbor.

The commanding officer, Lt. Cmdr. I.W. Truitt, said he was gratified at the manner in which all hands performed throughout the engagement, particularly in their prompt manning of stations and opening fire, their excellent discipline, and their consistent coolness, according to the report of the attack.

As the attack came to its end, the Sumner accounted for three successful downed planes and continued to assist damaged vessels and the movement of ammunition.

By the end of the day, the Japanese destroyed nearly 20 American vessels, including eight battleships, and more than 300 airplanes. Over 2,000 Americans service members died in the attack, and another 1,000 were wounded.

The attack led the United States declaration of war on Japan and its entry into World War II. After Pearl Harbor, Sumner set sail to Tongatabu, Nandi Island, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, and other Pacific areas for surveying operations.

On December 1, 1943, the Sumner was designated as AGS-5 (surveying ship) and continued to assist the war efforts by surveying multiple islands, transporting Marines, and assisting other surface ships in the western Pacific Ocean.

For the efforts during WWII, Sumner received three unit awards before being decommissioned in 1973.

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Logistics Specialsit 1st Class William Thomas and Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Diontre McLoyd pose and display their basketball championship trophy won against the Warriors March 7.

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VICTORY FOR THE NOBODYS

Logistics Specialist 1st Class William Thomas, Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Diontre McLoyd, and Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Valerie Leone are the USS Emory S. Land’s basketball team, the Nobodys.

The Nobody’s defeated the Warriors 59-56 March 7, 2017.

Story and photo by MC2 Oliver Cole USS Emory S. Land Journalist

the boat morale is an essential key to reach the maximum potential of the crew’s production.”

Positive effects playing recreational team sports don’t stop at “Winning the tournament feels pretty good,” said McLoyd. “I’ve building friendships with your shipmates and strengthening unity been chasing one of these captain cup titles for a little while now. It’s within the command. Sailors also benefit from the physical aspect of honestly bittersweet knowing we won and I wasn’t there, but sweet the competitions. none the less because it still counts as a “W”.

“I play for at least two hours a day during the week,” said Thomas.

Despite being on the winning team, Sailors were disappointed they “Two hours of cardio a day allows me to stay ready and within Navy didn’t get to play in the Championship game. However, they enjoyed PT standards, yet allows me to eat all the good and bad things that my playing in the tournament and building camaraderie between each metabolism doesn’t quite break down as fast as it used to. I never have other. to worry about training or dieting “Healthy competition is “Sports, life and a career in the Navy are all the when the PRT comes around.” good for us all,” said Thomas. same in my opinion. You get out of them what Hard work pays off in the “Friendly bragging rights between you put into them. If you practice in sports and gym and in life. Using the same shipmates can turn a long busy day you put forth the time and effort, in life or the mentality for life that you use in into a bright one. It does for me Navy, you will succeed.” ~ LS1 William Thomas sports can tremendously enhance anyways.” your life in other areas. Thomas McLoyd said playing sports can build camaraderie with anyone, explains how he uses the same approach in sports as he does in his life. whether it’s people from your ship or random people at the court, when “Sports, life and a career in the Navy are all the same in my you share a similar passion, or like the competition because you feed opinion,” said Thomas. “You get out of them what you put into them. off of each other’s competitive energy and sportsmanship.

If you practice in sports and you put forth the time and effort, in life or Personal friendships aren’t the only relationships being created and the Navy, you will succeed.” strengthened. It’s possible for the entire command to gain a stronger McLoyd said, following through and playing to the whistle connection when Sailors from different departments and divisions are correlate well to the ideals of seeing a project all the way through at interacting in friendly competition. work.

Thomas said playing sports with members of the crew builds The Charles King Fitness Center is located at Haputo Road relationships and camaraderie between departments and Sailors that Bldg. 1980 Santa Rita, Guam 96929 and offers various coed sports might not interact on a regular basis. year-round. For more information call 671-333-2049 or visit their “Playing sports can be a morale booster,” said McLoyd, “and on Facebook page.

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MERIZO PREPARING FOR CHAMORRO HERITAGE MONTH IN

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Machinery Repairman 3rd Class Deanna Crowley, a Sailor assigned to the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39), paints a parking-line guide during a community relations event in the village of Merizo, Guam, in preparation of the 9th Annual Malesso Gupot Chamorro/Crab Festival.

MERIZO, Guam (March 23, 2017) Electrician’s Mate Fireman Misty Heath, a Sailor assigned to the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39), paints a parkingline guide during a community relations event in the village of Merizo, Guam, in preparation of the 9th Annual Malesso Gupot Chamorro/Crab Festival. Emory S. Land is committed to fostering relationships with local Guam communities and with partner nations, while deployed, through community relations events and tours.

Story and photos by MC3 Daniel Willoughby USS Emory S. Land Journalist MERIZO, Guam – Twelve Sailors assigned to the submarine tender, USS Emory S. Land (AS 39), supported Merizo village during a community service event in support of the village’s yearly festival March 23.

Sailors assisted in the preparation of the 9th Annual Malesso Gupot Chamorro Heritage/Crab Festival, which will take place March 24 through March 26. The festival highlights Chamorro Heritage Month, which displays Chamorro culture, heritage, arts, and language to everyone on Guam.

Chamorro and local resident Ronnie Santos volunteered at the event and talked with Sailors about the importance of the Chamorro Heritage Month celebration.

“Chamorro Heritage Month is a reflection of our ancestors and what they have done for this island,” said Santos. “This is all about the respect we give to our ancestors, and I’m very happy that the Navy is here joining us, learning from us, and respecting our culture.”

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A. Bradley, expressed his appreciation to the local Chamorros and Sailors working together to make the festivities possible for everyone on Guam.

“Collaborative community events like this allow our Sailors and the United States Navy to demonstrate our commitment to the citizens of Guam,” said Bradley. “Not only do we have our primary mission in the 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation, we are committed to maintaining a positive relationship with the Chamorro community. I am proud of the goodwill spread by our Sailors today and for their positive example as ambassadors of the United States Navy.”

The submarine tenders alternate between providing support for in-port submarines on Guam and deploying in support of forward-operating units across the 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility. One of their primary missions is providing rapid on-site repairs for forwarddeployed units to maintain their material readiness.

Another part of the submarine tender mission is fostering relationships with the local residents of Guam and with partner nations while deployed through community relations events and tours.

Lt. Takana Jefferson, a Navy chaplain, and Hull Maintenance Technician 3rd Class Amoure Graham, both Sailors assigned to the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39), mix a paint can during a community relations event in the village of Merizo, Guam, in preparation of the 9th Annual Malesso Gupot Chamorro/Crab Festival. Emory S. Land is committed to fostering relationships with local Guam communities and with partner nations, while deployed, through community relations events and tours.

“Chamorro Heritage Month is about displaying our heritage through indigenous dances and art forms for everyone to see,” said Santos. “Chamorro Heritage Month is also about displaying the true hospitality of Guam because we welcome all visitors as if they are family.”

The community relations event fosters a growing understanding between Emory S. Land Sailors and the community they affect with their presence.

“We want to develop ties with the community and strengthen our relationships,” said Lt. Takana Jefferson, a Navy chaplain. “We want to show that we care about the community, and that we are one team. Chamorro Heritage Month is for them, but it is also for us because we learn about their culture and heritage bringing us closer together.”

Guam is home to the U.S. Navy’s only two submarine tenders, USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) and USS Frank Cable (AS 40), as well as four Los Angelesclass attack submarines. Being stationed in Guam provides Sailors unique opportunities to demonstrate the U.S. Navy’s commitment to the local communities while also learning about their culture.

USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) is moored in Apra Harbor at Polaris Point, Naval Base Guam, and is one of two submarine tenders remaining in the U.S. Navy.

The submarine tenders provide maintenance, hotel services and logistical support to submarines and surface ships in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation.

The submarines and tenders are maintained as part of the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed submarine force and are readily capable of meeting global operational requirements.

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