SINGAPORE - The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Jacksonville (SSN 699) arrived in Singapore, July 3, for a visit as part of its deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations and Indian Ocean.

With a crew of approximately 150, Jacksonville will conduct a multitude of missions and maintain proficiency of the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet.

"The continued presence of U.S. submarines in the Western Pacific supports our nation's shared interest in security and stability in the region," said Cmdr. Steven Faulk, commanding officer. "Jacksonville's mission is to operate forward and engage with our international partners, ensuring our readiness to meet any operational requirement."

Jacksonville is a Los Angeles-class submarine with some of the most advanced submarine systems in the world. Its speed, stealth, mobility and sheer firepower make it one of the most powerful weapons in the U.S. national defense arsenal.

"Singapore is the highlight port of our deployment," said Master Chief Electronics Technician (communications) Kevin Rollert, chief of the boat. "The crew has been working extremely hard and we are looking forward to some exciting liberty and rest before we close out the last part of our seven and a half month deployment."

For some of the crew members, this is their first time visiting Singapore.

"I am looking forward to seeing the botanical gardens and trying different foods at the various hawker stands throughout the city," said Machinist's Mate (weapons) 2nd Class Shawn Burden.

Measuring more than 360 feet long and displacing more than 6,900 tons, Jacksonville is one of the most capable submarines in the world. This submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike warfare, surveillance and reconnaissance.

Jacksonville was commissioned on May 16, 1981 and is on its final deployment. Jacksonville continues to live up to its motto as "The Bold One."