Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Toledo (SSN 769) returned to Naval Submarine Base New London following a regularly scheduled deployment, April 25.
Under the command of Toledo, Ohio, native Cmdr. Michael Majewski, Toledo and crew returned from a deployment to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility where they executed the chief of naval operations’ maritime strategy in supporting national security interests and maritime security operations.
“ The crew performed amazingly well,” said Majewski . “ When we found out that we were extended on deployment, everyone took it in stride and rose to the challenge, because everyone on the crew knows how important the mission is.”
While on deployment Toledo steamed approximately 31,000 nautical miles, equal to nearly 1 1/2 trips around the world at the equator or just over six round trips from New London, Connecticut, to San Diego. Toledo conducted port visits in Manama, Bahrain; Rota, Spain; Toulon, France; Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates; Duqm, Oman; and Souda Bay, Greece.
Like Toledo and her crew, loved ones attending the homecoming also traveled great distances — some as far away as Washington, Oregon and California.
In a long-standing naval tradition, the first Sailors to meet their families were two new fathers who held their children for the first time.
Kelsey Smith gave the first kiss to her husband, Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class James Smith.
Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Clint Van De Water’s family made the most of the first hug. Van De Water’s wife, Melissa, watched as the family’s four children, ranging in age from ages 3-10, embraced their father in a group hug. Melissa said it was an amazing experience.
“We missed him so much over the past seven months,” she said, “This is our second deployment and a perfect ending to his 4 1/2 years on Toledo.”
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 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 and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, to projecting power ashore with special operation forces and Tomahawk cruise missiles in the prevention of or preparation for regional crises.
Commissioned Feb. 24, 1995, Toledo is the 81st Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine and the second Navy ship named for the city of Toledo. It is 377 feet long with a beam of 34 feet and a crew of approximately 132, consisting of 15 officers and 117 enlisted Sailors.
Iamge: US Navy