Cmdr. David Cox, commanding officer of the fast attack submarine USS Louisville (SSN 724), and three crew members completed a namesake visit to Louisville, Kentucky this week.

The ship is visiting Louisville as part of the Navy's namesake relationship program. As part of this program, officers and Sailors visit their namesake cities or states to share their mission and bring the Navy close to those who support the military at home.

Louisville is the 35th nuclear powered fast attack submarine of the Los Angeles class design and is one of the most advanced attack submarines in the world. The Louisville's mission is to seek out and destroy enemy ships and submarines, and to protect our naval interests. She achieves this by possessing advanced sensors and technologies, and through her primary armament: Mark 48 torpedoes and Tomahawk cruise missiles.

"We are here in Louisville to meet the people of the city, get to know our namesake, and share the story of the Louisville and the Navy", Cox said. "We are very fortunate that we've been able to come here and experience first-hand Kentucky hospitality."

The Louisville sailors have had numerous opportunities to do just that. They have seen bats being made at Louisville Slugger, seen CGI aircraft engines at Power Creative, and seen Carbon Dioxide scrubber construction at Cepeda Associates, Inc., all in Louisville. They've also met with leadership at local store focused on selling Kentucky-centric foods and gifts.

"I'm so happy that the Louisville is able to visit us this year," said store owner John Hassmann. "It means a lot to us to be able to recognize and support our Navy."

But the crew has done much more than just sample local delicacies. They visited with sick children at Kosair Hospital, spent time visiting with veterans at Robley Rex VA hospital, and packed food for an afternoon at the Dare to Care food bank.

The crew have also had the opportunity to meet with government officials. On Wednesday, Cox met with Steven Beshear, the Governor of Kentucky. The Governor thanked the Louisville for their service and signed a proclamation declaring October 7th "Navy Day" in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

On Friday, the sailors met with Greg Fischer, the mayor of Louisville. Fischer asked about life on the submarine and thanked the crew for visiting the NJROTC at Valley High School in Louisville.

"[NJROTC] is a great program", said Fischer. "It's important to use every method to reach kids at a young age and teach them skills that will help them succeed in life. Thanks for helping the kids."

For more information about namesake visits and other programs administered by the Navy Office of Community Outreach, visit http://www.navyoutreach.org/