The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Helena (SSN 725) arrived in Brest, France, for a scheduled port visit, June 4. While in Brest, Sailors visited memorial sites in Normandy to commemorate the 73rd anniversary of the allied landings during World War II.

A reenlistment ceremony was held for a Sailor on Omaha Beach, and another Sailor received his enlisted submarine warfare qualification badge.

Quote:

"The crew of USS Helena were privileged to have the opportunity to tour the beaches of Normandy on the anniversary of D-Day. It is a sacred place and a testament to the longstanding relationship between France and the United States. It was an absolute honor to be able to visit these grounds on the anniversary and pay respects to those who participated, and fell, in the most audacious undertaking the U.S. military has ever done."
* Cmdr. Jason Pittman, commanding officer, USS Helena

Quote:

"Being fortunate enough to visit these hallowed grounds on the 73rd anniversary of D-Day is quite a humbling experience. The sacrifices these young Soldiers made in the name of freedom and democracy are still an inspiration today. It is now our duty to honor their actions by preserving the peace where we can so that no other generation has to endure what they did."
* Lt. Cmdr. Erek Kasse, executive officer, USS Helena

Quick Facts:

* USS Helena is homeported in Norfolk, was commissioned in 1987, and is the 38th Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine to serve in the U.S. Navy.

* U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

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For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit http://www.navy.mil/.