The Thames River hosts a variety of marine traffic, including recreational, commercial and military. The river is home to a few active military related sites including the US Coast Guard Academy and the Electric Boat shipyard, manufacturer of US Navy submarines, but also hosts the US Navy Submarine Base – home port for more than a dozen Los Angeles and Virginia class fast attack submarines. July 14, 2016 saw one of those submarines return to port after a deployment overseas.
The USS Springfield (SSN-761) came home on a hazy, humid mid-July day, breaking through the shroud of fog hanging over the Thames River over lunch on July 14, 2016. First met by the tug Paul A. Wronowski, and eventually greeted by a number of Submarine Veterans and crew-members’ families, it was a warm and welcome homecoming. Here’s a few of my photos of the boat’s return to the shores of the Thames River – and yes prints are available. Just click on the photo here to be brought to the store site, where you can order nearly any sized print…
The ferry Race Point heads outbound past New London Harbor’s Ledge Light
The tug Paul A. Wronowski heads south in the Thames River to meet up with the USS Springfield
The USS Springfield (SSN-761) passing by New London’s Ledge Light
The USS Springfield (SSN-761) with the tug Paul A. Wronowski alongside head north in the Thames River
The USS Springfield (SSN-761) with the tug Paul A. Wronowski alongside head north in the Thames River under some gloomy skies
The USS Springfield (SSN-761) passing by the historic New London Harbor Light
The USS Springfield (SSN-761) passing by the historic New London Harbor Light
The US Navy Los Angeles class fast attack submarine USS Springfield (SSN 761) returns from a deployment to the Sub Base in Groton, Connecticut as a groundskeeper at the Shenecossett Golf Course takes a break from mowing, by watching the submarine pass by.
A welcome home message on the rear of a Springfield crew member’s family car.
A group of Submarine Veterans gathered at an overlook north of the Electric Boat shipyard in Groton. Visible in the background is the aft hull section of a future Virginia class submarine.
A pair of Submarine Veterans watch a US Navy patrol boat speed past in advance of the USS Springfield’s arrival
A group of Submarine Veterans watch the USS Springfield approach
Submarine Veterans salute the USS Springfield’s return to her home port of Groton, Connecticut.
Submarine Veterans salute the USS Springfield’s return to her home port of Groton, Connecticut.
Submarine Veterans salute the USS Springfield’s return to her home port of Groton, Connecticut.
Submarine Veterans salute the USS Springfield’s return to her home port of Groton, Connecticut.
The USS Springfield (SSN-761) passes by the New London waterfront on her way home
One thought on “Springfield Homecoming”
Really nice, Tom. Thanks for posting.