USS Frank Cable (AS 40) returns to home port after sea trials

APRA HARBOR, Guam — The Emory S. Land-class submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) returned to its Guam homeport on June 26 after completing sea trials, the first major milestone toward redeployability following an eight-month maintenance period.

“As we executed the mid-term availability and sea trials, our crew did a fantastic job coming together and working as a team to see the mission accomplished,” said Capt. Michael Rodriguez, commanding officer of the Frank Cable. “I am proud of the Sailors and civilian mariners who worked hard to get the Frank Cable ready for anything our operational commander asks us to do.”

Navy Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners ran a series of drills designed to validate equipment and teamwork after the maintenance period. “The drills we perform during sea trials are important because they ensure our equipment is fully operational after several months of an avail,” said Lt. j.g. Adrian Candelaria, training officer aboard the Frank Cable. “Drills exercise the team’s response in high risk environments and truly test their grit.”

The ship executed man overboard, abandon ship, mass casualty, damage control, general quarters, engineering, and Operational Task Visual Information drills. “The Military Sealift Command personnel were a vital part to our fire attack teams,” said Candelaria. “We integrated well and had great teamwork.”

Crew leaders said the drills were successfully completed and demonstrated the ship’s readiness. “There are a lot of new Sailors on board, and these drills ensure everyone has a solid foundation when it comes to maintaining ship readiness,” said Candelaria.

Frank Cable remains forward-deployed in Guam as the island’s lead tender, awaiting its next tasking. The ship repairs, rearms, and resupplies submarines and surface vessels across the Pacific region.