The Los Angeles fast-attack submarine USS Helena (SSN 725) returned to Naval Station Norfolk Wednesday, June 21 after completing a successful deployment to the European Command and Central Command areas of responsibility.

USS Helena (SSN 725) executed the Chief of Naval Operations Design for Maintaining Maritime Superiority by Strengthening our U.S. Naval Power at Sea and by Expanding and Strengthening our Network of Partners.

"I could not be more proud of the job the Sailors of Helena have done over the past six months as they dealt with material issues, cold environments, and the lack of communications with their family that is inherent in the submarine service," said Cmdr. Jason Pittman, Helena's commanding officer. "They have taken a 30 year old ship to some of the most challenging environments that submarines can operate and stayed at sea with no significant material issues. They have worked hard for six months and the results that they have achieved stand as a testament to their resiliency and teamwork."

After spending major holidays overseas, the Helena Sailors are ready for their homecoming in Norfolk.

"We are excited to be home and reunited with our families, who have also done a terrific job on deployment," said Pittman. "Our spouses are some of the best in the fleet and they have done great at supporting each other while we were out doing the Nation's' business. I am extremely proud of the entire Helena family. Helena has had a fantastic deployment. We were the first boat from Norfolk to deploy to the EUCOM AOR in quite some time and Squadron Six and the team at Submarine Learning Facility, Norfolk did a terrific job getting us ready. I could not be more proud of the crew and not just what they have achieved but how they achieved it. They are professionals, they are tough, and they are a true family."

Capt. J. Carl Hartsfield, Commodore, Submarine Squadron Six and the submarine's immediate superior in the chain of command, expanded on the Pittman's comment.

"Congratulations to the fine crew of USS Helena for an exceptional deployment," said Hartsfield. "Over the course of six months, USS Helena superbly executed missions vital to national security in the European Command area of operation with a well training crew and an expertly maintained warship. At sea and ashore, Cmdr. Jason Pitman and his crew demonstrated outstanding determination, agility and diplomacy. Helena's was where it mattered, when it mattered displaying an unflinching ability to respond to all tasking. Submarine Squadron Six welcomes Helena and her crew back home to well-deserved reunion with family and friends. Well done!"

During the deployment Helena steamed more than 35,000 nautical miles and was able to conduct port visits in Haakonsvern, Norway; Faslane, Scotland and Brest, France.

While on deployment, Helena had two officers and 16 enlisted crew members earn their warfare qualifications. They also had 13 Sailors promoted to the next pay grade. There were some additions to the Helena family during the time away as well.

"We had three babies born to crew members and all of the fathers are tremendously excited to see their children," said Pittman. "Especially our Corpsman, who left on deployment about a month after reporting aboard and this is the first child for him and his wife."

Fast-attack submarines like Helena have multi-faceted missions. They use their stealth, persistence, agility and firepower to deploy and support special force operations, disrupt and destroy an adversary's military and economic operations at sea, provide early strike from close proximity, and ensure undersea superiority.

Helena is the 38th Los Angeles-class attack submarine and fourth ship to bear the name of the capital city, Helena, Mont. The submarine was built by the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation, Groton, Connecticut, and commissioned July 11, 1987. The 360-foot ship has a current crew compliment of 16 officers and 134 enlisted Sailors, and displaces more than 7,100 tons of water.

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