Groton, Conn. — The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Texas returned to Naval Submarine Base New London on May 1 after completing a sixmonth deployment to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility, Navy officials said.
Capt. Philip Castellano, commander of Submarine Squadron 12, welcomed the crew home and praised their performance during the deployment.
“Texas and her crew did an outstanding job throughout their deployment,” Castellano said.
Cmdr. Andrew S. McGovern, the submarine’s commanding officer, credited the crew’s focus and resilience.
“In a time of heightened tensions, our team remained resilient, focused and ready,” McGovern said.
The submarine traveled more than 21,200 nautical miles during the deployment and made a port call in Port Canaveral, Florida.
During the mission, 34 sailors earned their submarine warfare insignia, commonly known as “dolphins,” and five crew members welcomed new children.
As the submarine returned, Seaman Bronson McIntosh of the Royal Australian Navy and his spouse, Jessica McIntosh, shared the ceremonial first kiss on the pier. Chief Machinist’s Mate (Nuclear) Derrick Altenberger received the first hug from his spouse, Kayla Altenberger.
Commissioned in 2006, USS Texas is the fourth U.S. Navy vessel named for the state. The submarine is 377 feet long, has a beam of 34 feet and carries a crew of more than 130 personnel.
Virginia-class submarines are designed for a wide range of missions, including anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, intelligence gathering and special operations support.
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