Norfolk, Virginia - Los Angeles fast-attack submarine USS Newport News (SSN 750) returned from a regularly-scheduled deployment to Naval Station Norfolk, October 13.
Newport News is commanded by Cmdr. Michael Grubb, who became the submarine’s 15th commanding officer, Nov. 10, 2016. While deployed, the crew of Newport News executed the chief of naval operations' maritime strategy in supporting national security interests and maritime security operations.
During the course of sailing 40,500 nautical miles on deployment, Newport News conducted missions in support of theater commanders and pinned “dolphins” on 5 officers and 35 enlisted crew members who earned their qualifications in submarine warfare. Also while on deployment, 7 officers and 21 enlisted Sailors promoted in rank.
“I couldn’t be more proud of my crew,” said Cmdr. Michael Grubb, Newport News' commanding officer, “for working hard supporting national priorities of the submarine force, European command and the Navy, doing exactly what they have been trained to do. The most important thing after working hard for over seven months is time with our families. After that, we'll jump right back into a maintenance and training cycle to get ready to deploy again."
While deployed, the crew was able to enjoy several port visits, including the United Kingdom, Scotland and Gibraltar.
“We had the distinct privilege of working closely with our world-navy partners on numerous occasions throughout the deployment,” said Grubb. “They were gracious hosts, providing outstanding support for exercises and bilateral operations, while strengthening the important partnership between our submarine forces, our navies, and our nations.”
Families and friends crowded at the entrance of the pier, holding signs and cheering as Sailors crossed the brow with seabags and roses in hand.
“I am excited and truly grateful that the commanding officer is letting all new dads off first,” said Gemalyn Shelton. “My husband was in Scotland when I gave birth, and he was able to Facetime so he saw our daughter being born, but he will hold his new daughter today.”
As the Sailors of Newport News came down the pier, they were greeted by cheers and the hugs of loved ones, while two Sailors will embraced their new born babies.
Fast-attack submarines like Newport News have many different types of missions and are designed to operate in both coastal and deep-ocean environments. The submarine is capable of conducting anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface ship warfare; strike warfare; special operation forces (SOF) support; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions.
Newport News is the third U.S. Navy ship to be named after the city of Newport News, Virginia. The 361-foot ship has a crew complement of 13 officers and 121 enlisted Sailors.