USS Oklahoma City submarine returns to Guam after deployment

Aug. 25 (UPI) -- The USS Oklahoma City has returned to the U.S. Naval Base Guam following the submarine's participation in a large military exercise, the Navy announced.

The U.S. Navy's Submarine Squadron 15 announced on Facebook Tuesday that the Los Angeles-class submarine made its return after a scheduled deployment on Aug. 20.

During the deployment, the ship conducted surveillance, training and other missions in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

The deployment of the USS Oklahoma City was part of the U.S. Navy's Large Scale Exercise 2021, which began earlier this month.

The exercise includes multiple fleets and is intended to boost preparation for possible battle problems and scenarios while improving synchronization of maritime operations, according to the Navy.

The U.S. 3rd Fleet moved its headquarters from San Diego to tents in Hawaii to serve as headquarters for the exercise, which fleet Commander Vice Adm. Steve Koehler described as an unprecedented maritime training event.

While on deployment, the USS Oklahoma City also participated in the Freedom Banner exercise, the Navy said on Twitter.

The exercise involved coordination between the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps to enhance preparedness and possible contingencies while testing the delivery of equipment and cargo, according to a Navy press release.

Ships, including the USS Dahl, loaded equipment and personnel that were later delivered during the exercise.

First commissioned in 1988, the nuclear-powered USS Oklahoma City is 362 feet long and weighs 6,200 tons at full displacement. The ship is also one of 22 the Navy plans to retire in 2022.