From Humble Origins
China’s Submarine Force Comes of Age

Honolulu Surfaces at the North Pole

The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Honolulu (SSN-718)
surfaced in an open water area approximately 280 miles from the North Pole in October 2003. While conducting otherwise classified operations in the Arctic, Honolulu collected scientific data and water samples for U.S. and Canadian universities as part of an agreement with the Artic Submarine Laboratory (ASL) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). Commanded by CDR Charles Harris, Honolulu is the 24th Los Angeles-class submarine, to visit the North Pole region. Honolulu is assigned to COMSUBPAC, Submarine Squadron 3, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Pictured right, three polar bears approach Honolulu’s starboard bow. Sighted by a lookout from the sail of the submarine, the bears investigated the boat for almost two hours before leaving.