The final moor for USS KAMEHAMEHA SSN-642, targeted for inactivation later this summer.

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Pearl Harbor HAWAII --- USS KAMEHAMEHA SSN-642 returned to Pearl Harbor today, representing the end of the submarine’s final deployment. It also marked the end of one of the more operationally diverse heritages of any U.S. vessel over the course of its 36-year life.

Rear Adm. John B. Padgett III, commander of the Pacific Submarine Force, was off-island for the historic return, but sent a message congratulating the crew on their deployment, and called the return "bittersweet."

He added that "USS KAMEHAMEHA's legacy in the Pacific is renowned. For longer than most of the members of her current crew have been alive, this true warrior has helped secure peace for the nation. Your crew should take significant pride in knowing that they are the last to join in USS KAMEHAMEHA's regal legacy."

Fire Control Technician Third Class Paul Ballor of Portage, Ill., was sentimental about the trip. "This being my first boat, it'll be part of my history - thirty or forty years from now I'll be able to remember this."

Ballor also mentioned the uniqueness of the ship and its mission. "I'm really thankful for the luxury of the space we have", he said. "Qualifying and learning about the conversion [from SSBN to SSN] process was interesting, and talking with SEAL's and divers helped me decide to apply for EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) training."

KAMEHAMEHA returns having traveled to the Western Pacific to perform exercises and missions for which they have been specially reconfigured. Originally built as one of the nation’s "41-for-Freedom" strategic submarines, the USS KAMEHAMEHA first went on patrol in 1966 from Guam. The ship had a "blue" and "gold" crew.

After completing a total of 63 deterrent patrols, KAMEHAMEHA's missile systems were inactivated in July 1992 and she was converted to a special purpose attack submarine at Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, California. This conversion installed modifications to support the surfaced and submerged deployment of Special Operations Forces. In August 1993, KAMEHAMEHA arrived in Pearl Harbor to become part of Submarine Squadron ONE.

Mess Specialist Second Class Petty Officer Scott Barber has been a part of KAMEHAMEHA’s storied past for the past 5 years. "It hasn’t quite hit me that this is the end. Out of all the submarines I’ve served on, this one definitely holds a special place in my heart. I will miss the crew more than anything. They are a group of professionals and the best of friends ever," said Barber, a native of Atlanta, Ga.

Two dry deck shelters mounted on the top of hull just aft the sail distinguish the submarine from the other Pearl Harbor-based Los Angeles class attack submarines. With the two shelters and vast storage space, the ship is uniquely capable to transport Special Forces and equipment while still performing most of the traditional SSN missions.

"We've got a really good crew. A lot of guys are going to miss that when we go," said Machinist Mate George Swies of Tucson, Ariz. He says the part he'll miss the most is the camaraderie of shipmates.

Although USS KAMEHAMEHA’s return marks the end of their unique history, the submarine may have served to inspire renewed interest in converting other strategic submarines. Currently under study is the conversion of some older strategic SSBNs into SSGNs.

The four oldest Ohio-class strategic submarines home ported in Bangor, Washington, are being considered for a similar conversion by whereby their deterrent missiles would be replaced with as many as 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, modules to support special forces, or a combination of the two. The ships are currently slated for inactivation, but have more than 80 years remaining on their collective hull lives.

"I have bittersweet feelings knowing I won’t be able to go to the western hemisphere again with this fine submarine. At the same time it is very rewarding to be part of KAMEHAMEHA’s legacy and its long service to the nation," said Chief of the Boat, Electronics Technician Master Chief Chuck Minnich, a native of Malone, N.Y.

USS KAMEHAMEHA is named after King Kamehameha the Great, and is slated for inactivation later this summer.

June, 2001

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