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USS Connecticut to Return Home

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS040901-17
Release Date: 9/1/2004 1:50:00 PM

From Naval Submarine Base New London Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- The Seawolf-class fast attack submarine USS Connecticut (SSN 22) will return home to Naval Submarine Base New London (SUBASE) Sept. 2 following nearly six months of deployment to the U.S. Central Command's operations area.

Connecticut departed SUBASE March 31 in support of the global war on terrorism as part of the USS Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG).

During its underway period, Connecticut made history with a number of "firsts" for the submarine force. It was the first Atlantic Coast submarine to deploy as part of the Navy's ESG concept. As an integral part of the Wasp ESG, Connecticut provided never before seen connectivity between a carrier strike group/expeditionary strike group and its submarine. It is also the first Seawolf-class SSN to successfully moor outboard of a surface ship while forward deployed, and Connecticut made a first submarine port visit to Seychelles.

The ESG centers on the flexibility and readiness of a combined expeditionary unit and an amphibious readiness group. The total ESG provides operational freedom and expanded warfare capabilities, not only by land with embarked Marines, but by sea, as well.

Connecticut is the second ship of the Seawolf class. With mission and growth capability far beyond previous submarines, its design uniquely supports missions, such as surveillance, intelligence collection, special warfare, covert cruise missile strike, mine warfare, anti-submarine and anti-surface ship warfare.

In addition to its formidable open ocean presence, the Seawolf-class is also a highly capable shallow water warfare platform, setting the standard for submarine technology into the new century. Its inherent stealth, coupled with state-of-the-art sensors and advanced combat systems, make it one of the world's most advanced weapons systems and the benchmark for undersea excellence.

Connecticut's flexibility and impressive capabilities provide the Navy with an undersea weapons platform to operate in any scenario against any threat from open ocean missions to operations under Arctic ice and shallow water.

Commanded by Cmdr. Philip G. McLaughlin, Connecticut is 353 feet long, displaces approximately 8,060 tons and has a crew of approximately 134 officers and Sailors. The submarine was launched September 1997 and commissioned in December 1998.