US - Submarine Topeka deploys to western Pacific

The 361-foot Topeka, which was commissioned in 1989, was built at Electric Boat in Connecticut. This is a file photo. US Navy

The Los Angeles-class attack submarine Topeka left Point Loma on Wednesday for a scheduled six month deployment to the western Pacific, the Navy says. Topeka, which is part of Submarine Squadron 11, typically operates with about 140 crew members. The Navy says, "The deployment is part of an ongoing rotation of deployed forces to support maritime security operations and operations in international waters around the globe, working with other coalition maritime forces. During the past few months, Topeka has conducted several training exercises off the coast of California and is fully prepared to deploy."