Navy
USS Virginia returns from 6-month deployment: ‘Just in time for the holidays’
Stars and Stripes
December 22, 2024
A sailor, attached to the first-in-class fast-attack submarine USS Virginia (SSN 774), embraces his loved ones during a homecoming event at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., Dec. 20, 2024. (Joshua Karsten/U.S. Navy)
The USS Virginia returned to Naval Submarine Base New London, Conn., on Friday after a six-month deployment to the U.S. European Command area of operations.
Excited families and loved ones waited in anticipation on the pier. Santa was also seen waving from the ship as it was guided back into port by tugboats.
In traditional fashion for the last submarine to arrive home for the year, the event was celebrated with music, hot chocolate and gifts, the Navy said in a news release.
“I couldn’t be prouder of my crew’s dedication to the mission,” said Cmdr. Mike Hartzell, commanding officer of USS Virginia. “We are excited for some holiday time off, but I know this crew would fight tonight if called upon.”
Santa waves on board the first-in-class fast-attack submarine USS Virginia (SSN 774) during a homecoming event at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., Dec. 20, 2024. (Joshua Karsten/U.S. Navy)
A sailor, attached to the first-in-class fast-attack submarine USS Virginia (SSN 774), embraces his loved one during a homecoming event at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., Dec. 20, 2024. (Joshua Karsten/U.S. Navy)
A sailor, attached to the first-in-class fast-attack submarine USS Virginia (SSN 774), embraces his loved one during a homecoming event at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., Dec. 20, 2024. (Joshua Karsten/U.S. Navy)
A sailor, attached to the first-in-class fast-attack submarine USS Virginia (SSN 774), embraces his loved ones during a homecoming event at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., Dec. 20, 2024. (Joshua Karsten/U.S. Navy)
A sailor, attached to the first-in-class fast-attack submarine USS Virginia (SSN 774), embraces his loved one during a homecoming event at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., Dec. 20, 2024. (Joshua Karsten/U.S. Navy)
A sailor, attached to the first-in-class fast-attack submarine USS Virginia (SSN 774), embraces his loved one during a homecoming event at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., Dec. 20, 2024. (Joshua Karsten/U.S. Navy)
Chief Petty Officer Nicholas Ferro, a culinary specialist attached to the first-in-class fast-attack submarine USS Virginia (SSN 774) and winner of the traditional “first kiss,” embraces his fiancé, Jessica McCosker, during a homecoming event at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., Dec. 20, 2024. (Joshua Karsten/U.S. Navy)
A sailor, attached to the first-in-class fast-attack submarine USS Virginia (SSN 774), embraces his loved ones during a homecoming event at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., Dec. 20, 2024. (Joshua Karsten/U.S. Navy)
The first-in-class fast-attack submarine USS Virginia (SSN 774) arrives to Naval Submarine Base New London during a homecoming event in Groton, Conn., Dec. 20, 2024. (Joshua Karsten/U.S. Navy)
Master Chief Petty Officer Joel Burchwell, left, chief of the boat, and Cmdr. Mike Hartzell, commanding officer of the first-in-class fast-attack submarine USS Virginia (SSN 774), prepare to greet their loved ones during a homecoming event at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., Dec. 20, 2024. (Joshua Karsten/U.S. Navy)
Capt. Jason Grizzle, commander of Submarine Squadron 4, under which Virginia operates, praised the crew’s successful deployment and welcomed them home “just in time for the holidays.”
“Every homecoming is a special day for our sailors and their families as they reunite,” Grizzle said. “But to have one just in time for Christmas — seeing the joy and happiness on the pier today — it really emphasizes the sacrifice and commitment a submariner and their family makes to protect our nation’s interests.”
During its deployment, Virginia steamed over 32,000 nautical miles and made two port calls to Tromso, Norway, according the news release.
In November, Virginia was being escorted to port by a Norwegian Coast Guard vessel when the sub got entangled in a Norwegian fishing crew’s trawl nets. The Coast Guard crew had to cut the submarine free. The Norwegian Coast Guard and the U.S. Navy indicated the fishermen are to be reimbursed for the destroyed nets.
The crew also reported breaking their record for longest continuous period submerged in the submarine’s history, a feat conducted to celebrate the 20th anniversary since commissioning October 23, 2004.
“The crew’s steadfast devotion and professionalism really add to Virginia’s two-decade reputation as the first in its class,” Grizzle said. “And it’s the love, support, and sacrifice from families and friends — witnessed here today on the pier — that allows our submariners to do their jobs proficiently.”
The first-in-class fast-attack submarine USS Virginia (SSN 774) arrives to Naval Submarine Base New London during a homecoming event in Groton, Conn., Dec. 20, 2024. (Joshua Karsten/U.S. Navy)