The Virginia-class, nuclear-powered, fast-attack, submarine USS New Mexico returned to its homeport at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut after successfully completing a regularly scheduled deployment, April 26.

Under the command of Cmdr. Dan Reiss, New Mexico and its crew returned from a deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility where they executed the Chief of Naval Operations' maritime strategy in supporting national security interests and maritime security operations.

The skies were gray and a persistent drizzle hung in the air as fog obscured the Thames River, but it did not dampen the enthusiasm of the loved ones that came to Naval Submarine Base New London to welcome their friends and family home.

Electrician's Mate First Class Jason Burke and his wife, Deidra, shared the traditional "first kiss," and embraced their three sons, Isaac, Ethan and Owen.

The "first kiss" was followed by the "first hug" between Lt. j.g. Michael Keane and his wife Alexandra.

Many who welcomed the crew home were used to the unpredictable New England weather, but it was a change of pace to those who travelled from warm weather climates like New Mexico and Florida.

John and Carren Schofield drove 1,400 miles from Florida, with their nine-year-old daughter Caroline, to be on the pier when their son - and brother, Zach Schofield returned.

USS New Mexico's Commissioning Committee Chairman, Damon Runyan travelled from New Mexico to show the state's support for the ship that carries its name. "On behalf of the commissioning committee, the citizens and the New Mexico Governor Susanna Martinez, we are here to honor these men that carry the name of our great state on their boat."

During the deployment, New Mexico steamed approximately 31,000 nautical miles, or 35,674 statute miles, equal to approximately 1.43 trips around the world at the equator or more than six round trips from New London, Connecticut to San Diego by car. New Mexico's crew also supported diplomatic relationships by conducting port visits in Faslane, Scotland; Souda Bay, Crete; and Toulon, France.

During New Mexico's deployment 37 crewmembers completed their first deployment. Eighteen New Mexico Sailors earned their Submarine Warfare Qualifications, affectionately known as "dolphins" in the submarine community. Nine crewmembers reenlisted and 24 were promoted or advanced.

The families on the home front were busy as well. First hug recipient, Alexandra Keane, produced a full-length, feature film starring Justin Long and Colbie Smulders while her husband was deployed. The film is currently being shown at the Tribeca Film Festival. Alexandra's husband returned home in time to see the last showing at the festival.

Fast-attack submarines like New Mexico 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 warfare 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.

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