USS South Dakota returned to Groton, CT on June 25, 2026 from a deployment.

During off-season, Eastern Point Beach would be my go-to spot but since there was an admission fee to get in — I had to find somewhere else to go. First, I went to UConn Avery Point where I spotted USS South Dakota sitting in the water waiting for the tug’s arrival to assist.

Then I went down Shore Ave past Eastern Point Beach to see it pass by.

Always get excited when I see the tug boat!

I drove to another location where the submarine veterans greeted USS South Dakota home with their usual tradition of cannon firing. The families were here sporting clothes with USS South Dakota on them and some held up posters, even an enlarged face cut out. It never gets old to watch these homecomings!