YOKOSUKA, Japan - The Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Buffalo (SSN 715) arrived at Fleet Activities Yokosuka Oct. 21 for a visit as part of its deployment to the Western Pacific.

With a crew of approximately 131, USS Buffalo will conduct a multitude of missions and showcase the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet.

"We are always ready to execute missions in support of national tasking, and we look forward to working with our regional partners as a part of our forward presence in the Western Pacific," said Cmdr. Richard Seif, USS Buffalo commanding officer.

The visit to Yokosuka follows a nearly two-month underway period for the crew.

"The crew has worked very hard during this deployment, and they are really looking forward to enjoying some free time in Japan after being underway for 56 days," said Seif.

For most of the crew members, this is their first time visiting Japan.

"I'm so excited to finally get to see Japan," said Lt. j.g. Mark Horodowicz. "This is my first time visiting this country, and I'm looking forward to immersing myself in the culture and seeing something different."

Measuring more than 360 feet long and weighing more than 6900 tons when submerged, Buffalo is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare and mine warfare.

Buffalo has been forward deployed to Guam since 2007 and routinely operates in the Western Pacific.