The Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS San Francisco (SSN 711) conducted a 3rd Fleet non-Navy port operational visit to their namesake city, Oct. 10-12.

This marks the ship's last stop of a six-month deployment before returning to its homeport of San Diego.

"The crew is excited," said Cmdr. Jeff Juergens, the submarine's commanding officer. "This is going to be a great final stop for us to allow the city to see the boat and allow the crew to see the city."

The crew participated in a wreath-laying ceremony honoring the crew and legacy of the previous ship that held its name, the heavy cruiser USS San Francisco (CA 38). This ship was most famous for its role during World War II in the battle of Guadalcanal. The ship sustained heavy damage while taking on a Japanese fleet, resulting in the loss of 107 crew members. The San Francisco Memorial Foundation and the crew coordinated the event at the USS San Francisco Memorial Park.

"We're grateful here today to have the legacy," said John McKnight, president of the USS San Francisco Memorial Foundation. "The members of the current USS San Francisco are in town here today to visit with us and pay respects to 107 Sailors and Marines who did not return through this [Golden Gate Bridge] from the Battle of Guadalcanal."

Additionally, the submarine provided tours for the citizens of San Francisco and attended a tour of the San Francisco Giants' stadium.

As the submarine departed, it steamed through San Francisco Bay and under the Golden Gate Bridge for the last time.

"This is about as neat as it gets," said Juergens. "If you're going to have one place where you can have your final port visit, being able to do it in your namesake city is great. San Francisco is an absolutely beautiful city."

The submarine will shift homeport to Norfolk Naval Shipyard to begin conversion to a moored training ship (MTS) later this year. As an MTS, the San Francisco will continue its life as a platform used to qualify new nuclear operators at the Nuclear Power Training Unit in Charleston, South Carolina.

USS San Francisco's final deployment included maritime security, forward presence, sea control and power projection operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

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For more news from Commander, Submarine Squadron 11, visit http://www.navy.mil/.