The submarine participated in RIMPAC 02, where
Sheean was able to penetrate the air and surface anti-submarine screens of an eight-ship amphibious task force, then successfully attacked both the amphibious assault ship
USS Tarawa and the dock landing ship
USS Rushmore.
[18][19] During two weeks of combat trials in August 2002,
Sheean demonstrated that the class was comparable in the underwater warfare role to the
Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarine
USS Olympia.
[18][20] The two submarines traded roles during the exercise and were equally successful in the attacking role, despite
Olympia being larger, more powerful, and armed with more advanced torpedoes than
Sheean.