The overcast sky and threat of rain couldn't dampen the spirits of USS Virginia's (SSN 774) loved ones as they welcomed the boat and crew home from a regularly-scheduled, six-month deployment, Feb. 22.

The lead ship in the Virginia class of nuclear-powered, fast-attack submarines, under the command of Cmdr. Jeff Anderson, returned to it's homeport of Naval Submarine Base, New London following a deployment to the European Command area of responsibility where they executed the Chief of Naval Operations Maritime Strategy in supporting national security interests and maritime security operations.

In accordance with longstanding U.S. Navy tradition, Lt. j.g. Heather Kerber and her wife Cecille Kerber shared the first kiss, while Electronics Technician (Nuclear) 2nd Class Daniel Hurst shared the first hug with his wife Hannah and their children, Gavin and Chloe.

During the deployment, Virginia steamed approximately 27,500 nautical miles or 31,650 statute miles and served as ambassadors for the United States, the Navy and the submarine force during port visits to Faslane, Scotland; Rota, Spain; and Haakonsvern, Norway.

The port calls may have been fun for the crew, but they never lost sight of the mission at hand.

"Virginia's deployment was hugely successful and was led by the crew's never-ending desire to operate our warship at maximum lethality," said Anderson. "Our warriors of the deep worked hard to ensure Virginia continued to operate at the pointy end of the spear, conducting submarine missions, and protecting our homeland and all that we hold dear."

Many of the people the crew held dear were on the pier to welcome their Sailors home.

Some of the crew left young children, like three-month-old twins, Hannah and Makenna, who were three times older when their father, Chief Electrician's Mate (Nuclear) Dan Macomber saw them again for the first time. The twins were wearing matching outfits as Macomber took them in both arms and kissed his wife, Becca.

The time apart led to big changes. One-year-old Finnegan Davis learned to say "Da-Da" when he saw photos of his father, Senior Chief Electronics Technician Evan Davis. Now Finnegan will get plenty of practice saying it in person. Davis was never far from his daughter, seven-year-old Caroline's thoughts. "It means a lot to me because he was gone six months; because every day I woke up wondering when Daddy is coming back and I love him!" Caroline added with a smile and excitement that could barely be contained.

The crew put their time underway to good use. During the deployment 16 enlisted Sailors were advanced, three officers were promoted, 17 silver and five gold dolphins were earned, four crewmembers qualified as pilots, three qualified as engineering watch supervisors, and four qualified as engineering officer of the watch. In addition, a crewmember was recognized as Commander, Submarine Squadron Four's (CSS 4) Junior Officer of the Year for 2017 and, as a crew, the boat won the CSS 4 Communications/Cyber Green "E."

"Successful deployments do not happen without sacrifice, hard work, rigorous training, and the highest level of dedication to our nation," said Anderson. "It was because of the team's devotion to the country and the goal of a successful deployment that Virginia was able to achieve such a high level of success."

Fast-attack submarines like Virginia are multi-mission platforms enabling five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities of sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence. The submarine is designed to excel in anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, special operations, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and to project power ashore with special operation forces and Tomahawk cruise missiles in the prevention or preparation of regional crises.

Commissioned on Oct. 23, 2004, Virginia is 10th U.S. Navy ship to be named for the state of Virginia. It is 377 feet long with a beam of 34 feet. Virginia-class, fast-attack submarines have a crew of approximately 132 made up of 15 officers and 117 enlisted Sailors.

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