The Virginia-class, nuclear-powered, fast-attack submarine USS Missouri (SSN 780) returned to its homeport at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut following a regularly scheduled deployment, Oct. 4.

Under the command of Cmdr. Fraser Hudson, Missouri returned from the European Command (EUCOM) area of responsibility (AOR) where the crew executed the chief of naval operations' maritime strategy in supporting national security interests and maritime security operations.

"Missouri was at sea for over 91 percent of the deployment, prowling the oceans depths, keeping America's children safe under the blanket of freedom," Said Hudson.

During the deployment, Missouri steamed more than 35,000 nautical miles, or 40,277 standard miles. They were able to conduct port visits to Haakonsvern, Norway and Faslane, Scotland.

"We all look forward to reuniting with our friends and loved ones, who have sustained us through the grueling schedule, [and] kept our homes and our children going without their husbands, fathers or friends, "said Hudson. "I am especially grateful and proud of the unwavering support of our strong families."

Clear skies and sunshine mirrored the smiling faces of friends and family as they clapped, cheered and screamed, some holding handcrafted welcome home signs high above their heads, as the Missouri approached near its docking pier.

Once the mooring lines were secured on the pier and the boat was officially moored, the "first father" was called off the boat to meet his newborn child for the first time.

Machinist's Mate (Nuclear) 2nd Class Christopher Hamer met his wife, Rachel Hamer, two-year-old son, one-year-old daughter, and a new addition to the family, four-month old son Carson, on the middle of the pier as the crowd cheered for the Hamer family's special moment.

Racheal said she has been the rock for the family since her husband's deployment, and she's happy that her husband is finally home to see his newborn son in person and continue his fatherly duties.

"Our son was born exactly the same day the boat pulled in to port, in Scotland. He FaceTimed us for about an hour after the baby was born. That kind of made it feel like I wasn't alone," said Racheal. "He's a great dad. I missed him. Our children missed him very much, and we all are happy that he is home."

After the "first father" came the call for the traditional "first kiss" and "first hug," followed by the announcement for the entire crew to debark.

"I am so proud of the crew for all of their accomplishments, preparing for and then dominating deployed operations," said Hudson. "Without them, Missouri is just a cold piece of steel. They bring her to life and take her to sea, plunging into an unforgiving, demanding environment."

Fast-attack submarines 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 submarines are designed to excel in anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, strike warfare, special operations, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare, and mine warfare. The vessels are capable of a variety of missions, from open ocean warfare to projecting power ashore with special operation forces and Tomahawk cruise missiles in the prevention or response to regional crises.

Commissioned on July 31, 2010, Missouri is the seventh Virginia-class submarine and the fifth U.S. Navy ship to be named for the state of Missouri. 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.

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