The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) recently had an opportunity to engage with the US Navy and other local, state and federal agencies, for a tabletop exercise related to a radiological scenario. This was a follow-up to a full scale exercise two years ago. This was a chance to see where the USN and its partners have grown in our simulated response, and to network with fellow public information officers. This tabletop exercise is intended for everyone to have a complete understanding of how the USN communicates to the public and to better plan our joint response in the highly unlikely event of an emergency on one of our California-based nuclear powered warships.
The exercises took place at Naval Base Point Loma at the entrance to San Diego Bay.
This story features interviews with the base commodore, Captain John (Patrick) Friedman, Commander Christopher Carter, captain of the fast attack submarine USS Alexandria SSN 757, and fantastic video of naval warships and their crews shot by the USN. After watching this you’ll have a better understanding of how the USN treats the use of nuclear power and the importance of interoperability among the military and its local, federal and state partners, including Cal OES. PIO Shawn Boyd reports.
Special thanks to Capt. John Friedman, Cmdr. Christopher Carter, Lt. Danielle Moser, Scott Swehla, MC2 Thomas Gooley, Rick Low, Lcdr. Gregg Williams, Lt. Courtney Callaghan, YNS2 Phillip Ellis, Naval Reactors, NNPP
PIO Shawn Boyd was stationed at Naval Base Point Loma in the late 1980’s during his enlistment in the USN. He was assigned to the now-decommissioned floating dry dock San Onofre’ ARD 30 which can be seen in a couple of the photos used in this story.
About Submarine Squadron 11
Submarine Squadron 11, commanded by Capt. Christopher Cavanaugh, consists of four Los Angeles-class fast attack nuclear powered submarines: USS Pasadena (SSN 752), USS Alexandria (SSN 757), USS Scranton (SSN 756), USS Annapolis (SSN 760) and USS Hampton (SSN 767). Submarine Squadron 11 is also home to the floating dry dock ARCO (ARDM 5) and Undersea Rescue Command. The squadron staff is responsible for providing training, material and personnel readiness support for all units. Submarine Squadron 11 is located on Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego, Calif.
History
Submarine Squadron 11 was commissioned July 1, 1986, aboard her flagship, USS McKee (AS 41), at Naval Base Point Loma, as a result of reorganization of Commander, Submarine Group 5. Capt. W.L. Hicks was assigned as the first squadron commander.
Squadron 11 Personnel and Mission Operability
Submarine Squadron 11 has evolved through the years and now has submarines which represent some of the most capable attack submarines in the world. More than 60 officers and 500 enlisted personnel, overseen by the squadron staff of approximately 25 officers and 50 enlisted personnel, man Squadron 11 units.
Submarine Squadron 11 units maintain a very aggressive operational schedule, including training and operations with other ships in the Southern California operating area, independent operations to enhance readiness and deployments to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf. Their missions include anti-submarine, anti-surface, strike, special and mine warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. The submarine community is a small force with a big impact and unique capabilities for any operational commander.