Navy
GallerySubmarine USS Texas returns home after 6-month deployment
Stars and Stripes
May 2, 2026
Chief Machinist’s Mate Derrick Altenberger embraces his wife Kayla moments after USS Texas arrived home from deployment on May 1, 2026. (John Narewski/U.S. Navy)
Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Texas returned to Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., on Friday after six months of deployment.
USS Texas traveled more than 21,200 nautical miles during its time at sea in the Southern Command area of responsibility.
“Texas and her crew did an outstanding job throughout their deployment,” Capt. Philip Castellano, the commander of Submarine Squadron 12, said in a service news release. “They continued the Navy submarine force’s tradition of excellence while performing their mission to perfection. Our submarine force is critical to deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas, and Texas’ efforts exemplified this to its core. Welcome home, Texas and crew, and thank you for a job well done.”
Sailors are back on land after USS Texas returned to Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., on May 1, 2026, following a six-month deployment. (Darren M. Moore/U.S. Navy)
Seaman Jace Canaday, a sonar technician, holds his baby after USS Texas returned May 1, 2026, following a six-month deployment. (Darren M. Moore/U.S. Navy)
Chief Machinist’s Mate Levi Adams gets a welcome home from his family after the USS Texas returned home on May 1, 2026, following a six-month deployment. (Darren M. Moore/U.S. Navy)
Family and friends await the homecoming of Virginia-class nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine USS Texas on May 1, 2026. (Darren M. Moore/U.S. Navy)
The Virginia-class nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine USS Texas returns to Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., on May 1, 2026, following a six-month deployment to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility. (Darren M. Moore/U.S. Navy)
The Virginia-class nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine USS Texas returns to Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., on May 1, 2026, following a six-month deployment to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility. (Darren M. Moore/U.S. Navy)
The Southern Command area of responsibility includes the Caribbean Sea and portions of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. A key U.S. military focus in the region is Operation Southern Spear, a counter-narcoterrorism campaign aimed at disrupting drug trafficking and degrading criminal organizations. It is led by U.S. Southern Command.
“In a time of heightened tensions our team remained resilient, focused and ready,” said Cmdr. Andrew S. McGovern, USS Texas commanding officer. “Our sailors performed at the highest level for six months, and I could not be prouder of everything we achieved while executing our mission.”
Thirty-four personnel earned their submarine warfare devices — commonly referred to as “dolphins.” Five sailors welcomed new babies.
Seaman Bronson McIntosh, a member of the Royal Australian Navy serving aboard Texas, and his spouse, Jessica, were honored with the ceremonial first kiss on the pier.
Chief Machinist’s Mate Derrick Altenberger was awarded the ceremonial first hug with his spouse, Kayla.
Texas was commissioned in 2006 as the fourth U.S. Navy ship to be named for the Lone Star State. The submarine is 377 feet long and has a 34-foot beam, as well as a crew of more than 130 Navy personnel.
Virginia-class nuclear-powered fast-attack submarines are designed for a broad spectrum of open-ocean and littoral missions. Fast-attack submarines are multimission platforms enabling five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities — sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence.
The Virginia-class nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine USS Texas returns to Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., on May 1, 2026, following a six-month deployment to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility. (John Narewski/U.S. Navy)