NEWS RELEASE

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PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet 7958 Blandy Rd. Norfolk, VA 23551-2492 (757) 836-1650 FAX (757) 836-1355 Web site: www.norfolk.navy.mil/sublant

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  20 JANUARY 1999               RELNO: 004-99

  USS ATLANTA (SSN 712) INACTIVATES FRIDAY

    After nearly 17 years of service to the Atlantic Fleet, the attack submarine USS ATLANTA (SSN 712) will be inactivated during ceremonies Friday, January 22, 1999 at Naval Station Norfolk.

    ATLANTA was built by Newport News Shipbuilding and commissioned March 6, 1982. She is the 24th LOS ANGELES class submarine and the fifth naval vessel to carry the name.

    During her service to the nation, ATLANTA and her crews completed six deployments to the Mediterranean Sea and three to the western Atlantic Ocean. She holds the distinction of being the first U.S. Atlantic Fleet submarine to have the capability to employ Tomahawk cruise missiles. She is also the first submarine certified to employ the MK-48 torpedos and both Harpoon and Tomahawk missiles. In addition, she is the first nuclear-powered submarine to be assigned to directly support an amphibious ready group.

    ATLANTA and her crews have received the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Atlantic Fleet Hook'em Award for antisubmarine warfare excellence and other departmental awards. She is commanded by CDR Maurice M. Montana, a 1979 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy.

    After being a mainstay on the Norfolk waterfront her entire career, Atlanta will depart Naval Station and transit to Norfolk Naval Shipyard January 25 for decommissioning preparations.

-USN-  

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