PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii- The Los Angeles-class submarine USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723) arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for a port call Feb. 10 while conducting an inter-fleet transfer.

Oklahoma City completed an engineered overhaul in Nov. 2010 at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. About midway through the overhaul, the crew learned that Oklahoma City would be reassigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron 15 in Guam.

Cmdr. Aaron Thieme, Oklahoma City commanding officer recollected all the hard work his crew has done leading up to this port visit.

"We departed the shipyard Nov. 16 and since then have been conducting operations at sea in order to complete post-overhaul trials and certifications," said Thieme. "The crew has performed superbly, is excited to finally arrive in the Pacific Fleet, and is looking forward to some well-deserved rest and relaxation while visiting Hawaii."

The crew of approximately 130 personnel will have the opportunity to enjoy the sights, sounds and culture of Hawaii during their stay.

USS Oklahoma City will replace USS City of Corpus Christi (SSN 705), maintaining three submarines forward deployed to Guam. Forward-deployed submarines are readily capable of meeting global operational requirements. Guam's strategic location enhances military force flexibility. Its location allows freedom of action, regional engagement, crisis response and deterrence while helping to fulfill commitments to U.S. allies and partners to protect our nation's security.

Rear Adm. Frank Caldwell, Commander Submarine Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, welcomed the submarine to Hawaii and to the Pacific.

"You will be joining a Pacific Submarine Force with a rich heritage and a tradition of excellence," said Caldwell. "For the better part of a century the submarine force of the Pacific has led the way in tactical and technical innovation. I know that you and your men will carry on that legacy of greatness.

USS Oklahoma City is the second ship to be named after Oklahoma City, Okla. She was launched Nov. 2, 1985 and commissioned July 9, 1988.