USS Texas returned to Groton, CT on Friday May 1, 2026 from a deployment. It was a beautiful spring day with blue sky and clouds to make a dramatic back drop.
There was a LOT of activity on Thames River while waiting for USS Texas. I saw a fishing vessels, many birds, Enviro-Lab (Project Oceanology’s “floating” classroom) and USCG Eagle. The Eagle departure was unexpected for me so it was a nice surprise!
The tug boat is always a sign of submarine coming — still excites me to see it!
The tug helped USCG Eagle to leave the dock near Fort Trumbull in New London, CT so I think USS Texas waited out in the water for the tug boat to be available to assist them. The Eagle departed for their summer tour down south and will make its way back up to New London in August.
There were no families of the sailors waiting for the submarine at Eastern Point Beach so it was quiet. They all waited at the Sub Base. It gave me plenty more angles that I normally wouldn’t been able to capture because of the people standing there. Some people who were enjoying the spring day at the beach were excited to spot the submarine.
USS Texas made it way past the New London Ledge Lighthouse down to the sub base. The last photo is at a different location further down the river — you can see that they put the wreath on. It is a homecoming tradition, the colors of the wreath varies. Also sometimes you would see a specific flag to the submarine’s name.
At the other location, there was a group of few women waiting for their loved ones. I loved the patriotic outfits that they were sporting. They held up a sign to welcome home their sailor.
It truly never gets old to watch the homecomings and I’m so appreciative of the sailors and their families to make the sacrifices for us. Thank you USS Texas!