Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS San Juan (SSN-751) returned to its homeport at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut, from a regularly scheduled deployment Sept. 23.

Under the command of Cmdr. John Craddock, San Juan and her crew returned from a deployment to the U.S. European Command areas of responsibility where they executed Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson's maritime strategy in supporting national security interests and maritime security operations.

"I could not be more proud of this crew and all they accomplished on our deployment," said Craddock. "I asked them to perform some of the most challenging operations the submarine force undertakes and they exceeded my expectations every time."

During the deployment San Juan steamed approximately 38,000 nautical miles, or 43,730 statute miles -- equal to approximately 1.75 trips around the world at the equator or approximately 7.5 round trips between New London, Connecticut, and San Diego. San Juan supported diplomatic relationships by conducting port visits in Haakonsvern, Norway; Faslane, Scotland; and Rota, Spain.

Electronics Technician Seaman Apprentice Christopher Ognissant and his wife Kassandra shared the first welcome home kiss. Kassandra said the first deployment was hard, but credited members of San Juan's Family Readiness Group with helping her through the deployment.

"Seeing him walk away was one of the hardest things [I've] ever had to do," she said. "Now I'm filled with emotions; I really get to see him again. I don't know if I'll cry, smile or scream."

During San Juan's deployment, 12 Sailors were promoted to the next higher pay grade, including one to chief petty officer. Eight officers were also promoted to the next higher pay grade. Seventeen Sailors completed their enlisted submarine warfare qualifications and five officers also completed their officer submarine warfare qualifications, which allows them to wear their silver and gold dolphins.

Fast attack submarines like San Juan 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.

Commissioned Aug. 6, 1988, San Juan is the 63rd Los Angeles-class submarine and the third U.S. Navy ship to bear the name. It displaces 6,900 tons, measures 360 feet long, with a beam of 33 feet. Los Angeles-class submarines have a crew of approximately 143, consisting of 16 officers and 127 enlisted Sailors.

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