USS Minnesota returns in time for the holidays
December 19, 2019 11:00 pm
• Last Updated: December 21, 2019 8:51 am
A chill wind across the pier could not dampen the enthusiasm for those gathered for the homecoming of the USS Minnesota (SSN 783) following a six-month deployment on Friday in Groton.
The Minnesota, the 10th vessel in the Virginia-class of nuclear-powered attack submarines, made port calls in Rota, Spain, Faslane, Scotland, and Haaksnservn, Norway during the deployment.
The crew of 149 came ashore in waves, with the traditional first kiss between Chief Petty Officer Kyle McGregor and his wife BCarinna, and first hug between Petty Officer first class Zachery Blattenberg and his family kicking off the festivities.
During the deployment 39 members of the crew earned their Dolphins as qualified submariners.