The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS San Juan (SSN 751) returned home to Groton, Conn., May 16, after completing a seven-month overseas deployment.
San Juan’s crew of more than 140 Sailors departed Naval Submarine Base New London, Oct. 15, to conduct maritime operations in the U.S. Central and European Command areas of responsibility.
“I am extremely proud of the crew,” said Cmdr. Joseph Biondi, San Juan’s commanding officer. “They demonstrated their capabilities as both mariners and ambassadors, showcasing our capabilities and strengthening international partnerships.”
The submarine made stops in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Portugal and Spain.
Capt. Vernon Parks, commander of Submarine Development Squadron 12, congratulated Biondi and the crew in a personal message.
“A very hearty well done on a tremendous job in defense of our nation,” Parks said. “Your sustained superior performance in missions vital to national security and operations supporting our allied partners and theater cooperation maintained San Juan’s legacy of excellence.”
Hundreds of friends and family members, including three newborns, greeted returning Sailors on the pier.
Biondi said the crew is excited to return home after seven months at sea. He thanked the families for providing both “spirit and support” and enabling San Juan to excel in a forward operating environment.
“Maintaining a submarine in a forward deployed status is an engineering marvel,” he said. “We operated in some of the most challenging and dynamic ocean environments, which is testament to the crew’s commitment and talent.”
San Juan currently has 18 officers and 130 enlisted Sailors assigned. She was commissioned August 1988 and is the third ship named for Puerto Rico’s capital city.
[mappress] Press Release, May 19, 2014; Image: US Navy