USS Emory S. Land and USS Buffalo Visit Thailand

PATTAYA, Thailand (NNS) -- Submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) arrived in Pattaya, Thailand for a port call July 27.

The visit is part of the U.S. Navys ongoing commitment to theater security cooperation and friendship with an allied navy.

"I consider it a privilege to visit Thailand and to build our partnership with the Royal Thai Navy," said Capt. Paul E. Savage, Lands commanding officer. "The relationship forged between our two navies contributes to the peace, security, and stability of the region, and also gives our Sailors an opportunity to experience the Thai culture."

During the visit, Land will exercise its submarine support capabilities by tending USS Buffalo (SSN 715), a Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine, which will be moored outboard the tender.

"We will be performing a variety of submarine support services for Buffalo to ensure all systems are fully functioning and operational when they return to sea," said Cmdr. Jeremy Leghorn, Lands repair officer.

Lands repair department will perform minor equipment adjustments and manufacture items to enhance the quality of living for Buffalos crew during their Western Pacific deployment.

"Our Sailors have worked extremely hard on this deployment, and this port visit is an excellent opportunity for them to enjoy some much-needed liberty time in such a beautiful, hospitable country," said Cmdr. Richard E. Seif, Buffalos commanding officer. "The tended support services we receive from Land allow us to return to our mission, fully operational and ready to go".

In port, Buffalo will host a cooking exposition where culinary specialists will learn to prepare a meal with a local five-star Thai chef.

Buffalo and Land Sailors will also participate in community service projects with members of the Royal Thai Navy, which include visits to a local child development center and school.

"I am excited for an opportunity to leave Thailand knowing that I made a difference in peoples lives. They may never again meet a Sailor from the U.S. Navy, so I am excited to make a lasting impression," said Electronics Technician Seaman Justin Schoonover.

Buffalo is participating in an anti-submarine warfare exercise with combined training to assist the Thai navy in improving their anti-submarine warfare capability. Land has been on an extended deployment to Guam since November 2011, conducting coordinated tended moorings and afloat maintenance in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

(http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68709)