Chief of the Boat Senior Chief Torpedoman’s Mate Jesse Davis greets his wife as the nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine USS Idaho returns to Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., Sept. 28, 2026. (Darren Moore/U.S. Navy)
After four months operating beneath the waves, USS Idaho has returned home from its first deployment.
Family and friends gathered Monday at Naval Submarine Base New London, Conn., lining the pier to welcome the crew back to their homeport, according to a service news release.
“I could not be prouder of this crew. Throughout our maiden deployment, they demonstrated the professionalism, resilience and teamwork that define our Navy,” said Cmdr. Chad J. Guillerault, the commanding officer. “Their commitment to the mission and to one another made this deployment a success.”
Chief Machinist’s Mate (Nuclear) Kien Truong, right, greets his family as the nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine USS Idaho returns to Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., Sept. 28, 2026. (Darren Moore/U.S. Navy)
Lt. j.g. Brian Camacho greets his wife, Natasha, with the ceremonial first kiss as the nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine USS Idaho returns to Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., Sept. 28, 2026, following a four-month deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility. (Darren Moore/U.S. Navy)
Lt. Cmdr. Charles Linder meets his new daughter, Charlotte, for the first time as the nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine USS Idaho returns to Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., Sept. 28, 2026, following a four-month deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility. (Darren Moore/U.S. Navy)
The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine operated in the U.S. European Command area of responsibility. It steamed more than 19,000 nautical miles and made port calls to Haakonsvern, Norway, and Kings Bay, Ga., according to the release.
“This maiden deployment demonstrated the squadron’s ability to operate as an integrated, forward-deployed team,” said Capt. Thomas Flaherty, commanding officer of Submarine Squadron 4. “I am exceptionally proud of what they accomplished and the foundation they have built for future operations.”
Idaho was commissioned in April and is the fifth Navy ship to be named for the state. It is the 26th Virginia-class submarine and the eighth of the advanced Block IV configuration, the release said.
The nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine USS Idaho returns to Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., Sept. 28, 2026, following a four-month deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility. (Darren Moore/U.S. Navy)
The nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine USS Idaho returns to Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., Sept. 28, 2026, following a four-month deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility. (Darren Moore/U.S. Navy)
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