Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS New Hampshire (SSN 778) returned to its homeport at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut, from a regularly scheduled deployment, Nov. 9.

Under the command of Cmdr. Jesse Weed, New Hampshire returned from a deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility where it executed the chief of naval operations' maritime strategy in supporting national security interests and maritime security operations.

"I could not be more proud of the performance and accomplishments of New Hampshire's crew," said Weed. "They worked hard to build a team dedicated to teamwork, mission accomplishment, and service to their country. While completing missions vital to national security, they exceeded every one of my expectations and produced flawless results."

On a cool, pleasant November day a crowd of family, friends, and fellow Sailors cheered, held signs, and waved as New Hampshire approached the pier.

Haley Price was the first family member to be reunited with her Sailor. Her name was drawn to receive the first kiss from her husband, Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonathan Price.

"I didn't sleep at all last night; I was too excited," said Haley. "This feels like Christmas morning!"

Seven-year-old Blake and four-year-old Carter ran down to the pier and jumped into their fathers', Chief Petty Officer Brett Wolff's, arms with their mother, Lisa, close behind. The Wolff family won the first hug.

Each family readiness group and submariner tailored the homecoming ceremony to fit the crew and their families. This homecoming featured another surprise reunion when Petty Officer 2nd Class Benjamin Gaston dropped to one knee and proposed to Sarah Eastwood. Eastwood accepted as the crowd cheered loudly.

After the proposal, the gates opened and the rest of the families and the crowd flooded onto the pier to find their Sailors.

During the deployment, New Hampshire steamed approximately 40,000 nautical miles -- equal to approximately 1.84 trips around the world at the equator. New Hampshire's crew supported diplomatic relationships by conducting port visits in Haakonsvern, Norway; Faslane, Scotland; and Brest, France.

During New Hampshire's deployment 33 enlisted Sailors and four officers earned their submarine warfare qualifications, affectionately known as "dolphins" in the submarine community. Thirteen enlisted Sailors were advanced to the next paygrade, including two petty officers first class advancing to the rank of chief petty officer. Seven officers were promoted to the next rank, and 12 Sailors reenlisted.

Fast attack submarines like New Hampshire are multi-mission platforms enabling five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities -- sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence. The submarine is designed to excel in anti-submarine warfare; anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; irregular warfar; and mine warfare -- from open ocean anti-submarine warfare to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, to projecting power ashore with special operation forces and tomahawk cruise missiles in the prevention or preparation of regional crises.

Commissioned Oct. 25, 2008, New Hampshire is the fifth Virginia-class submarine and the third U.S. Navy ship to be named for the state of New Hampshire. It is 377 feet long with a beam of 34 feet and a crew of approximately 132 consisting of 15 officers and 117 enlisted Sailors.

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For more news from Naval Submarine Support Center, New London, visit http://www.navy.mil/.