Attack submarine USS Newport News returns from 7-month deployment

US Navy’s Los Angeles fast-attack submarine USS Newport News (SSN 750) wrapped up a seven-month deployment, returning to Naval Station Norfolk on October 13.

USS Newport News (SSN 750) returns to Naval Station Norfolk, following the completion of a seven-month deployment to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations. Photo: US Navy

The submarine and her crew operated in the US 6th Fleet area of operations, visiting UK submarine base HMNB Clyde at Faslane several times during the first part of her deployment.

Newport News later entered the Mediterranean Sea, visiting Gibraltar before getting underway again for Eastern Mediterranean Sea operations.

Newport News is commanded by Cmdr. Michael Grubb, who became the submarine’s 15th commanding officer on November 10, 2016.

During the course of sailing 40,500 nautical miles on their deployment, Newport News conducted missions in support of theater commanders and pinned “dolphins” on 5 officers and 35 enlisted crew who earned their qualifications in submarine warfare. Also, while on deployment 7 officers and 21 enlisted sailors were 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.”

Newport News is the third US 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.