USS Tueson (SSN-770) (PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii) - The Los Angeles-class submarine USS Tucson (SSN 770) departed Joint Base Pearl-Hickam Harbor for a scheduled deployment to the western Pacific region Thursday, April 8. “The crew is very excited and eager to get this submarine underway for her first deployment since 2006,” said Cmdr. Gary Pinkerton, USS Tucson Commanding Officer. “They’ve all worked extremely hard this past year getting the ship and themselves ready for this deployment and regaining operational proficiency of all mission areas. I am very proud of each and every one of them.” Tucson underwent a 23-month depot modernization period at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, Va. that included upgrades in all of her electronic systems in support of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, a complete overhaul of all machinery systems and a full external refurbishing. During that time she conducted numerous sea trials and a port visit in San Diego before conducting an inter-fleet transfer back to Naval Station Pearl Harbor in 2008. Tucson is the second ship of the United States Navy to bear the name of the Arizona city. It is the 59th Los Angeles class attack submarine and the 20th of the improved Los Angeles class attack submarine to be built. Twelve vertical launch missile tubes for Tomahawk cruise missiles provide Tucson with great offensive capabilities and strategic value. Retractable bow planes give the ship increased maneuverability and under ice surfacing potential.