As the last Los Angeles-class submarine, the Cheyenne continues to influence naval strategy, undergoing service-life extensions to remain operational into the future.
The USS Cheyenne (SSN-773), a Los Angeles-class attack submarine, stands as a pivotal asset in modern naval warfare, particularly during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Commissioned on September 13, 1996, this nuclear-powered submarine was the final vessel in its class, embodying advanced stealth, endurance, and strike capabilities essential for high-stakes missions.
Operation Iraqi Freedom, launched in March 2003, marked the U.S.-led coalition’s effort to dismantle Saddam Hussein’s regime, eliminate alleged weapons of mass destruction, and liberate Iraq. Amidst this conflict, submarines like the USS Cheyenne played a decisive role by delivering the opening salvos from concealed positions in the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea, disrupting Iraqi command structures and paving the way for ground and air invasions.
The Cheyenne’s involvement exemplified how submarine warfare evolved to provide rapid, undetectable firepower, optimizing coalition strategies in the Iraq War.
About the USS Cheyenne
- Vessel Type: Los Angeles-class attack submarine
- Year Introduced: 1995
- Length: 110.3 m (362 ft)
- Beam (Width): 10 m (32 ft 10 in)
- Displacement: 6,927 long tons (7,038 tons) full
- Engines: One S6G PWR nuclear reactor; two steam turbines (33,500 shp); one shaft; one secondary propulsion motor (325 hp)
- Top Speed: ~25 knots (29 mph, 46 km/h)
- Range: Unlimited
- Armaments: Four 21-inch torpedo tubes; 12 vertical launch Tomahawk missiles
- Crew: 110 (12 officers, 98 men)
The USS Cheyenne’s Preparation for the Iraq War
The USS Cheyenne’s journey to OIF began with its departure from Pearl Harbor on July 31, 2002, as part of a Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment attached to the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group. Initially planned as a routine six-month mission, it extended to nearly nine months due to escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Homeported in Pearl Harbor since 1998, the submarine transited through key areas, including stops in Guam and Diego Garcia, before positioning in the Arabian Gulf by early 2003. Under the command of Commander Charles Doty, the crew of 12 officers and 98 enlisted personnel underwent rigorous training to ensure readiness for combat operations.
The submarine’s propulsion system, powered by an S6G nuclear reactor, allowed for sustained submerged operations, while its sonar and weapon systems provided unmatched stealth advantages.
This preparation proved crucial as the Cheyenne was tasked with strike missions in support of OIF, highlighting the U.S. Navy’s emphasis on submarine roles in the Iraq War.
The Cheyenne’s Tomahawk Missiles Devastated Iraqi Forces
On March 18, 2003, the USS Cheyenne etched its name in history by launching the first Tomahawk cruise missile of Operation Iraqi Freedom, initiating the coalition’s aerial bombardment. Positioned in the Arabian Gulf, the submarine fired its missiles under tight timelines, with the entire targeting process completed in just over two hours—a testament to advanced naval technology and crew efficiency.
Over the following days—specifically on March 20, 21, 25, and 26—the Cheyenne conducted multiple strike operations in the Red Sea area, ultimately expending its entire inventory of TLAMs, an extreme rarity in naval operations. These precision-guided missiles targeted Iraqi defense installations, communication networks, and command centers, significantly degrading the regime’s ability to coordinate resistance and simplifying the US Army’s ground invasion in the days that followed.
Dubbed “First to Strike,” the Cheyenne’s actions facilitated the swift advance of coalition forces, contributing to the fall of Baghdad in early April. The submarine’s stealth allowed it to operate undetected, underscoring the strategic value of attack submarines in modern conflicts like OIF.
The Legacy of USS Cheyenne’s Role in the Iraq War
The USS Cheyenne’s decisive contributions extended beyond initial strikes, providing ongoing support through intelligence and surveillance, which bolstered the coalition’s operational tempo. By neutralizing key threats early, the submarine helped minimize risks to surface ships and aircraft, enabling a more coordinated invasion.
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Terry Scott hailed the crew as “great American heroes” for their decisive role in OIF. Upon returning to Pearl Harbor on April 24, 2003, the Cheyenne was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for its “clean sweep” in combat operations.
It also earned the Submarine Squadron Seven Battle “E,” Engineering “E,” and Deck Seamanship “D” awards, along with the Pacific Fleet Retention Excellence Award. These accolades reflect the submarine’s exemplary performance during OIF.
USS Cheyenne’s role in Operation Iraqi Freedom exemplifies the transformative impact of submarine warfare in the Iraq War, from delivering the first Tomahawk strikes to sustaining coalition momentum. Its motto, “Ride the Legend,” captures the enduring legacy of innovation and bravery.
As the last Los Angeles-class submarine, the Cheyenne continues to influence naval strategy, undergoing service-life extensions to remain operational into the future. In the annals of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the USS Cheyenne remains a symbol of decisive, stealthy power that shaped the outcome of a major conflict.
About the Author: Brandon J. Weichert
Brandon J. Weichert is a senior national security editor at The National Interest. Recently, Weichert became the host of The National Security Hour on America Outloud News and iHeartRadio, where he discusses national security policy every Wednesday at 8pm Eastern. He is also a contributor at Popular Mechanics and has consulted regularly with various government institutions and private organizations on geopolitical issues. Weichert’s writings have appeared in multiple publications, including The Washington Times, National Review, The American Spectator, MSN, The Asia Times, and others. His books include Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His newest book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine is available for purchase wherever books are sold. He can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.
Image: Wikimedia Commons.
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