HM1 David Griffenberg received the traditional first kiss from his wife Molly as USS Virginia returns to Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., Aug. 3, 2026, following a six-month deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility. (John Narewski/U.S. Navy)
USS Virginia returned to its homeport at Naval Submarine Base New London, Conn., on Monday following a six-month deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility.
Family members and friends gathered on the pier to welcome home the submarine’s crew as they reunited after a “challenging” and “rewarding” deployment, said Cmdr. Jeremy Wheelis, Virginia’s commander.
“As we reunite, we look forward to a period of well-deserved rest, maintenance, and time with family, while remaining ready to answer the nation’s call whenever needed. Welcome home, Virginia — I’m proud of you and your accomplishments,” Wheelis said.
Virginia steamed more than 36,000 nautical miles and conducted a key port visit to Tromsø, Norway, according to a service news release.
During the deployment, the crew went through three extensive periods of national tasking in arduous and austere environments, the release said.
”The crew of Virginia executed highly demanding missions with the utmost professionalism and precision, demonstrating the elite capabilities of our fast-attack fleet,” Wheelis said. “Their performance on this deployment has set a high standard for readiness, and we are incredibly proud to welcome them back to their homeport here in New London.”
LSC Brian Boyd receives the traditional first hug from his daughters, Mireya, left, and Araceli as his wife Sarahi looks on moments after USS Virginia returns to Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., Aug. 3, 2026, following a six-month deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility. (John Narewski/U.S. Navy)
The first-in-class nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine USS Virginia returns to Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., Aug. 3, 2026, following a six-month deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility. (John Narewski/U.S. Navy)
The first-in-class nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine USS Virginia returns to Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., Aug. 3, 2026, following a six-month deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility. (John Narewski/U.S. Navy)
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