USS Hyman C Rickover, SSN-795

Groton, CT  2021

The USS Hyman C Rickover, SSN-795 is the latest submarine to bear the name of the "Father of the Nuclear Navy", Admiral Hyman C Rickover.  It was christened on July 31, outside of the General Dynamics' Electric Boar division in Groton, CT.  It's the latest submarine belonging the the Virginia Class,  of nuclear-powered, cruise missile fast attack submarines.  You don't get a chance to see these submarines out of the water that often.  

SSN Nautilus

Groton, CT  2020

Foggy Return

New London, CT  2017

Timing is everything in photography.  If this submarine had arrived about 10 minutes sooner this would've have been a clear photo.  In keeping with the stealthy missions of submarines, I think it's only fitting that they sneak back home shrouded in fog.  

Submarine

New London, CT  2017

New London, or more precisely Groton is the home of the Naval Submarine Base New London, the worlds first, and finest submarine base.  It is the home of the Submarine Force, and often one can catch glimpses of the subs as they leave for or return from deployment.  Recently while having coffee in New London with a colleague of mine, I spotted this submarine way down river returning to port.  I had enough time to run to my car for my camera and walk out to the end of city pier to attempt these photographs. Subs are not the easiest subjects to photograph.  Even when on the surface, there is very little above the waterline. You might have to click on the pictures for a larger view to see it more clearly.  They certainly don't stick out much on the water.   A far more skilled photographer than I would have done a much better job getting a better exposure and more than likely would have had a much longer lens available.

I'm not sure which Navy submarine this is, or to which class of subs it belongs.  There were no markings of any kind on the sub.  This sub might have been built right here in Groton in the General Dynamics Electric Boat Div, pictured behind  the sub in the top picture. 

Nautilus (SSN-571)

Groton, CT  2014

Currently a museum ship, the Nautilus is the first operational nuclear powered submarine.  It completed a submerged transit to the  North Pole in 1958.  The submarine was decommissioned in 1980 and is currently docked only a few miles from where she was built and commissioned in 1954.

Electric Boat

New London/Groton CT

Across the river from New London is the city of Groton, known as the Submarine Capitol of the World, since the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corp is located there.  EB has been building and repairing submarines for the US Navy since 1900.  Many of the current nuclear submarines in the Navy were built right here.  Currently under construction here are the latest fast attack submarines known as "Virginia Class" submarines.  I'm not sure which submarine is currently under construction here, but my best bet would the SSN786 Illinois.  

Groton

Groton, CT

Travelers along I-95 in Connecticut  are greeted with this sign shortly after crossing the Gold Star Bridge over the Thames River from New London welcoming them to Groton.  Not only is the city of Groton home to an important US Naval submarine base, but the city also is the home to the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics, builders of nuclear submarines for our navy.  The Nautilus is only one of many nuclear subs that have been built here.   It currently is moored near the sub base and is open as a museum to the public.  It is not uncommon to see submarines from the base leaving for their tours of duty and returning after spending many months at sea.  

USS Lionfish (SS-298)

Fall River, MA

The USS Lionfish was launched in 1943 and served during World War II in Japanese waters.  She later served as a training vessel in Providence RI is now a part of the memorial at Battelship Cove in Fall River, MA.  Just behind the Lionfish is the former East German Navy corvette, Hiddensee.