POINT LOMA, Calif. - USS Albuquerque (SSN 706) departed from Naval Base Point Loma Jan. 29 for a scheduled six-month Western Pacific deployment.

The Los Angeles-class, fast-attack submarine's deployment is in support of the nation's maritime strategy.

Albuquerque's missions will focus on maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts, which help establish conditions for regional stability.

The deployment is part of an on-going rotation of deployed forces to support maritime security operations and operations in international waters around the globe, working with other coalition maritime forces. During the past few months, Albuquerque has conducted several training exercises off the coast of California and is fully prepared to deploy.

"I'm extremely proud of the crew's accomplishments in preparation for this deployment," said Cmdr. Chris Cavanaugh, commanding officer of USS Albuquerque. "We are ready for the most challenging submarine missions in the Western Pacific."

Albuquerque was commissioned May 21, 1983. Measuring more than 360 feet long and displacing more than 6,900 tons, Albuquerque has a crew of approximately 140 Sailors.

Albuquerque is capable of supporting various missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, surveillance, and reconnaissance. She is one of six Los Angeles-class submarines homeported in San Diego.