DECEMBER 22, 2025 – The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS California (SSN 781), under the command of Cmdr. Kenneth M. Kirkwood, returned to Naval Submarine Base New London Friday, Dec. 19, completing a seven-month deployment to U.S. European Command area of responsibility.
Capt. Philip Castellano, commander of Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 12, under which California operates, welcomed the crew home and praised their efforts while deployed.
“California and her crew performed at the highest level during this deployment,” Castellano said. “They are true warfighters, and it showed in every task they were called upon. U.S. Navy submarines present a constant, unwavering presence, reminding our adversaries of the lethality our submarine force boasts, and California exemplified this to the highest extent. Welcome home to California and crew and congratulations on a job well done.”
Kirkwood concluded a third successful deployment as California’s commanding officer. While a previous deployment brought the crew home on Valentine’s Day, this one concluded with a return to their loved ones just in time for the holiday season.
“This is the finest crew in the fleet, and their performance during our unique deployment proved it daily,” Kirkwood said. “They have been an incredible team to lead for the last seven months, and I’m thrilled to bring these Sailors back to their loved ones for the holidays. Bears on 1; 7-8-1-Bears!”
California steamed more than 34,500 nautical miles and made port calls to Haakonsvern and Tromso, Norway; Rota, Spain; and Faslane, Scotland.
California promoted 39 personnel during their deployment, and 37 personnel earned their submarine warfare devices – commonly referred to as “dolphins”. Four California Sailors welcomed new babies.
California’s deployment awarded them the Navy Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Arctic Service Ribbon, and Arctic Service Medal. The deployment also featured 122 days north of the Arctic Circle and included two traditional Navy Blue Nose Ceremonies for crossing into the Arctic Circle.
Culinary Specialist (Submarine) 1st Class Jon Paul and his wife, Tiffany Paul, were honored with the ceremonial first kiss on the pier.
Chief Machinist’s Mate (Auxiliary) Chris Tartaglia was awarded the ceremonial first hug with his wife, Tasha Tartaglia, and their three children.
California was the eighth Virginia-class submarine built when it was commissioned on Oct. 29, 2011. SSN 781 is the seventh U.S. Navy ship named for the state of California, most recently following a nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser in commission from 1974-1999. Previous ships to bear the name USS California included a Tennessee-class battleship that was active during World War II and a Pennsylvania-class cruiser that went on to serve during World War I. The submarine California has a crew of more than 130 personnel, is more than 377 feet long 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.
Story by Chief Petty Officer Darren Moore
Submarine Readiness Squadron (SRS) 32