USS Idaho (SSN 799) Returns to Groton Following First Deployment
GROTON, Connecticut – The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Idaho (SSN 799), under the command of Cmdr. Chad J. Guillerault, returned to Naval Submarine Base New London, Connecticut completing its first deployment, Sept. 28, 2026.
Capt. Thomas Flaherty, commander of Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 4, under which Idaho operates, welcomed the crew home and praised their efforts.
“This maiden deployment demonstrated the squadron’s ability to operate as an integrated, forward-deployed team while operating in the U.S. European Command area of responsibility with 6th Fleet,” Flaherty said. “The crew of the Idaho demonstrated professionalism, adaptability, and a clear commitment to the mission. I am exceptionally proud of what they accomplished and the foundation they have built for future operations.” Guillerault praised his crew and their commitment to projecting power across the globe.
“I could not be prouder of this crew,” Guillerault said. “Throughout our maiden deployment, they demonstrated the professionalism, resilience, and teamwork that define our Navy. Our crew answered every challenge with professionalism and determination, demonstrating the readiness and resolve required to project power across the globe. Their commitment to the mission and to one another made this deployment a success.”
Idaho steamed more than 19,000 nautical miles and made port calls to Haakonsvern, Norway and Kings Bay, Georgia.
Thirteen personnel earned their submarine warfare devices – commonly referred to as “dolphins” – during the deployment and five Idaho Sailors had new babies.
Lt. j.g. Brian Camacho, from Mineola, New York, and wife Natasha Torres-Camacho, were honored with the ceremonial first kiss on the pier.
Electronics Technician (Navigation) Seaman Apprentice Marek Concelman, from Charlotte, North Carolina, was awarded the ceremonial first hug with his mother, Erin Concelman.
Commissioned April 25, 2026, Idaho (SSN 799) is the 26th Virginia-class submarine and the eighth of the advanced Block IV configuration. The submarine was built under a teaming agreement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII-Newport News Shipbuilding. The ship was christened on March 16, 2024, at the Electric Boat shipyard in Groton. It has a length of 377 feet with a beam of 34 feet and can displace nearly 7,900 tons.
The Virginia-class of nuclear-powered fast attack submarines are designed for a broad spectrum of open-ocean and littoral missions. Fast-attack submarines are multi-mission platforms enabling five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities – sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence. They are designed to excel in anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, strike warfare, special operations, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare and mine warfare. Fast-attack submarines project power ashore with special operations forces and Tomahawk cruise missiles in the prevention or response to regional crises.
The mission of Submarine Readiness Squadron 32 is to centralize administrative and support functions, economize resources and provide a common pool of experts who provide complete functional support to the commanders of Submarine Squadrons 2, 4, and 12.
For more information about Submarine Readiness Squadron 32, visit Facebook.com/grotonsubs or http://www.sublant.usff.navy.mil/SRS32.
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