USS New Mexico Returns From Six-Month Deployment

By Kevin Copeland, Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic Public affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- The Virginia-class attack submarine USS New Mexico (SSN 779) returned to its homeport at U.S. Naval Submarine Base, New London, from a regularly-scheduled deployment on Sept. 4.

Under the command of Cmdr. Todd Moore, New Mexico returned from the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) area of responsibility where the crew executed the Chief of Naval Operation's maritime strategy in supporting national security interests and maritime security operations.

"The role of the submarine is to deploy forward, remain undetected, operate behind enemy lines, and bring covert firepower and intelligence collection to bear against any potential aggressors," said Moore. "New Mexico deployed to EUCOM, operating as an asset in supporting Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet operations. We stood ready to perform all tasks when called upon. In conducting deployed operations like New Mexico completed, the U.S. Navy builds operational experience throughout the world, defending our homeland by projecting power globally. The crew is proud to have been part of something so important."

During the deployment New Mexico steamed more than 36,000 nautical miles, equal to circumnavigating the globe one-and-two-third times. Port visits were conducted in Haakonsvern, Norway; Rota, Spain; and Faslane, Scotland.

"In each port the crew enjoyed terrific relations with our allies," said Moore. "The port visits provided an opportunity to interact with foreign navies, thereby building better cooperation between our countries. The crew enjoyed the many cultural experiences of each country, as well as the opportunity to relax and replenish supplies."

During the deployment the crew of New Mexico distinguished themselves through performance and professional achievement.

"Throughout the deployment we had seven officers and 14 enlisted Sailors earn their submarine warfare qualifications," continued Moore. "We had 15 petty officers advance in rank; two were selected for chief petty officer; and one each was selected for senior chief petty officer and master chief petty officer.

"New Mexico seems to enjoy stormy weather. We deployed during one of the many blizzards that struck Connecticut last winter. While our spouses suspect we left them only to avoid shoveling the snow, I must inform we also had our rough weather. The North Atlantic produced storms with 30-foot waves, but both the boat and crew held up well. This was the first deployment for a large portion of the crew, whose experience had been limited to short underway periods and training simulators. The long training period prior to deployment proved to be more than adequate as the crew successfully employed the ship in theater for nearly six consecutive months with virtually no lost operational time."

New Mexico is looking for calmer waters since they have anchored at home.

"We plan to enjoy friends and family members, make trips with loved ones, and reconnecting with those we have not seen in a long time," finalized Moore. "We are looking forward to spending time participating in outdoor activities and basking in the sun, an activity we have been without for several months. We aim to catch up on the many TV shows, movies and sporting events that we missed, in addition to all the world events since we deployed. Following our leave period, we are looking forward to executing maintenance and training to ensure New Mexico can maintain the highest state of readiness."

As the submarine force's sixth Virginia-class ship, New Mexico was commissioned March 27, 2010 in Norfolk, Virginia. It is the second Navy vessel to be named for the 47th state.

As the most modern and sophisticated attack submarine in the world, New Mexico enables five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities - sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence. The ship is a flexible, multi-mission platform designed to carry out the seven core competencies of the submarine force: anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, delivery of special operations forces, strike warfare, irregular warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and mine warfare. New Mexico can operate in both littoral and deep ocean environments and presents combatant commanders with a broad and unique range of operational capabilities.

New Mexico is 377 feet long, has a 34-foot beam, able to dive to depths greater than 800 feet and operates at speeds in excess of 25 knots submerged.