Navy
USS Vermont returns to Hawaii after first deployment to the Western Pacific
Stars and Stripes
March 19, 2025
Lt. Erich Eden greets his girlfriend after the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Vermont (SSN 792) returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii following a scheduled deployment, March 16, 2025. (Scott Barnes/U.S. Navy)
The USS Vermont returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii after the submarine’s first deployment to the Western Pacific.
Family and friends greeted the sailors upon their return during a homecoming ceremony on Sunday.
“I’m proud of our team and how hard they worked to get ready for Vermont’s maiden Western Pacific deployment,” said Cmdr. Michael Lilleberg, the USS Vermont’s commanding officer. “They performed well during every aspect of the deployment, accomplishing all tasking, and providing the operational commander flexibility and lethality with which to prepare and shape the battlespace.”
During the seven-month deployment, Vermont’s crew conducted port visits to Yokosuka, Japan, Apra Harbor, Guam, and Busan, South Korea.
While at Yokosuka Naval Base, an Australian naval officer serving aboard the Vermont became the first of his countryman to earn the U.S. Navy Submarine Warfare Device, often referred to as “dolphins.” The Australian lieutenant commander, identified only by his first name, James, received the award during a ceremony on Dec. 12, 2024. Per Royal Australian Navy protocols, submariners’ last names are not publicly released.
Vermont was the first submarine to disclose a visit to South Korea in September 2024 where it replenished its supplies and allowed the crew to rest.
Over 100 sailors earned their first Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, 20 sailors advanced to the next pay grade and more than 30 sailors earned various submarine qualifications during the deployment.
“The crew exceeded even the highest expectations, from job accomplishment to professional development,” said Command Master Chief Robert Antrim, Vermont’s chief of the boat. “Our senior sailors were patient with our first-time deployers and took the time to train and mentor them on both job-specific and personal preparations. I’m immensely proud of how well the team performed together despite the lower level of deployment experience.”
Vermont is the third U.S. Navy ship named after the Green Mountain State. Vermont was administratively commissioned in April 2020 and is the first Block IV Virginia-class fast-attack submarine.
Friends and family of sailors assigned to the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Vermont (SSN 792) watch as the submarine returns to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii after a scheduled deployment, March 16, 2025. (Scott Barnes/U.S. Navy)
Machinist’s Mate, Nuclear Power, 2nd Class Chris Gailiatabarez plays with his son after the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Vermont (SSN 792) returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii following a scheduled deployment, March 16, 2025. (Scott Barnes/U.S. Navy)
Machinist’s Mate, Nuclear Power, 2nd Class Chris Gailiatabarez greets his family after the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Vermont (SSN 792) returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii following a scheduled deployment, March 16, 2025. (Scott Barnes/U.S. Navy)
The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Vermont (SSN 792) returns to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii after a scheduled deployment, March 16, 2025. (Scott Barnes/U.S. Navy)