Navy
‘Ecstatic to be home with them again’: USS Delaware crew reunites with families after 6-month deployment
Stars and Stripes
July 7, 2025
Information Systems Technician (submarine) 3rd Class Duncan Arnold embraces his family as the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Delaware returns to Naval Submarine Base New London, Conn., July 5, 2025. (Darren Moore/U.S. Navy)
As the crew of the USS Delaware battled rough, cold seas, families fought through home emergencies, car problems and parenting moments, said Cmdr. Jason Patton when the submarine returned to Naval Base New London, Conn., on Saturday.
“We are grateful for their steadfast resolve and are ecstatic to be home with them again,” Patton said.
As a homecoming tradition, the sailors raffled for a chance to disembark first. Sonar Technician (submarine) 3rd Class Landon Nichols from Summerville, S.C., and his wife Anna were honored with the ceremonial first kiss, and Chief Electronics Technician (nuclear) Douglas Ames from Sudan, Texas, was awarded the ceremonial first hug with his wife Jessica.
Chief Electronics Technician (Nuclear) Douglas Ames embraces his family as the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Delaware returns to Naval Submarine Base New London, Conn., July 5, 2025. (Darren Moore/U.S. Navy)
The crew of the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Delaware gathers top-side for a command photo as the boat returns to Naval Submarine Base New London, Conn., July 5, 2025. (Darren Moore/U.S. Navy)
The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Delaware returns to Naval Submarine Base New London, Conn., July 5, 2025. (Darren Moore/U.S. Navy)
The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Delaware returns to Naval Submarine Base New London, Conn., July 5, 2025. (Darren Moore/U.S. Navy)
Delaware completed a six-month deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility, steaming more than 42,000 nautical miles, according to a service news release.
“We were deployed for 205 days, and we spent 194 of those at sea accomplishing our nation’s tasking,” Patton said. “That wouldn’t have been possible without teamwork, dedication and tenacity from every sailor onboard. I’m extremely proud of their accomplishments and lucky to be a part of such a great crew.”
During its deployment, Delaware completed the first forward-deployed submarine torpedo tube launch and recovery of a Yellow Moray (REMUS 600) unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV). Fifty-four personnel earned their submarine warfare devices.
“The crew of USS Delaware is a group of outstanding professional submariners,” Patton said.
Delaware was officially commissioned April 2, 2020, while underway, making it the first U.S. naval warship to be commissioned while submerged. It is the 18th Virginia-class attack submarine, and the seventh U.S. warship named after the first state of Delaware.