The U.S. Navy’s Virginia-class attack submarine USS New Mexico concluded a regularly scheduled deployment and returned to Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut, April 26.
Under the command of Cmdr. Dan Reiss, the nuclear-powered boats and her crew returned from a deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility.
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.