Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Springfield (SSN 761) returned to its homeport at Naval Submarine Base New London (SUBASE) from a regularly scheduled deployment, July 14.

Under the command of Capt. Roger Meyer, Springfield returned from the European Command area of responsibility where they executed the Chief of Naval Operations' maritime strategy supporting national security interests and maritime security operations.

"Springfield upheld the highest standards of the U.S. Navy, and I am proud of the constant, unwavering dedication of my crew throughout the entire deployment," said Meyer. "Springfield's tenacity represented the spirit of our nation and our service to the American people ensures their continued pride in the submarine force."

During the deployment, Springfield steamed approximately 35,000 nautical miles or 40,285 statute miles, equal to approximately 1.62 trips around the world at the equator or approximately 7 round trips from New London, Connecticut, to San Diego by car.

Alexandra Caldwell received the traditional first hug from her husband, Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Chris Caldwell, assigned to Springfield.

"I found out that I was going to receive the first hug about [1 1/2 weeks] ago and I was thrilled," said Caldwell. "This [was] my husband's third deployment."

Caldwell brought along the couple's son, 18-month-old Oliver, to see his father's return home.

For Lauren Hunt, receiving the first kiss from her boyfriend, Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Austin Kliphon, was a fortune she said she had only dreamed about.

"I'm really excited," said Hunt. "He's been away for six months. This is an honor."

While on deployment, Springfield conducted port visits in Haakonsvern, Norway; Faslane, Scotland; Lisbon, Portugal; Toulon, France; and Rota, Spain.

Fast-attack submarines like Springfield 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 operations forces and Tomahawk cruise missiles in the prevention or preparation of regional crises.

Commissioned January 9, 1993, Springfield is the 73rd Los Angeles-class submarine and the fourth 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 fast attack submarines have a crew of approximately 143 made up of 16 officers and 127 enlisted Sailors.

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