(Yonhap) -- A U.S. nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine arrived in South Korea last weekend as part of its regional deployment, the U.S. military announced Wednesday.
The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Tucson (SSN 770) made a port call in Jinhae, also known as Chinhae, in the country's southeastern region Saturday, according to the Pacific Command (PACOM).
"With a crew of approximately 150, Tucson can conduct a multitude of missions and maintain proficiencies of the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet," the Hawaii-based command said on its website. "Tucson's crew operates with a high state of readiness and is always prepared to tackle any mission that comes their way."
It quoted Cmdr. Chad Hardt, commanding officer, as highlighting the significance of the alliance.
"The Korean-American relationship is very important, and our visit to Chinhae gives us the opportunity to strengthen the outstanding relationship that exists between the U.S. and the Republic of Korea," he said.
The U.S. sailors have engaged in various activities in South Korea, including culture experience programs, a South Korean defense source said.
PACOM did not elaborate when the Tucson, based in Hawaii, will depart the peninsula.
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