USS Virginia attack sub returns to port

GROTON, Conn., April 14 (UPI) -- The Virginia-class attack submarine USS Virginia returned to its Connecticut port following a six-month deployment in European waters.

The Virginia left the Submarine Base New London in October, deploying to the U.S. European and Central Command areas of responsibility.

The submarine's crew made port calls in Spain, Greece, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey, where U.S. naval officers served as goodwill ambassadors for the United States, the U.S. Navy said.

The Virginia returned to port for regular maintenance, training and preparation for future deployment.

U.S. Navy Capt. Michael Bernacchi, the commodore of the Virginia's Submarine Squadron 4, said the deployment marked a transition for the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine.

"This is a monumental day," he said. "I think this is a real transition as it marks the change from Virginia being a new boat to Virginia being a workhorse."

The USS Virginia is the first in the class, commissioned in October 2004.