Fast-Attack USS Hawaii Returns To Homeport
by U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Omar Dominquez
December 14, 2025 Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776) returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam following a scheduled deployment on December 8, 2025. During the deployment, Hawaii and its crew performed a wide range of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. 
December 8, 2025 - Crewmembers assigned to Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776), embrace loved ones shortly after USS Hawaii's return to its homeport at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam following a scheduled deployment. (Image created by USA Patriotism! from U.S. Navy photos by MC2 Nicholas Russell and PO1 Scott Barnes.)
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“Every day, this crew dedicated themselves to mastering their craft in combat arms,” said Cmdr. Daniel Jones, a native of Clarkston, Michigan and commanding officer of Hawaii. “For 85 percent of my crew, this was their first deployment, and they worked tirelessly as part of the team onboard the War Canoe. I could not be prouder of this Hawaii team and all that we have accomplished.”
Hawaii’s crew demonstrated exceptional teamwork in maintaining combat readiness throughout their deployment. “Onboard the war canoe, everybody rows, and it truly takes a team to sail a submarine out into the ocean deep and bring it home safely,” said Jones. “We invest in the war fighting capacity of every Sailor, training every day in case we were called upon to fight.”
During the deployment, Hawaii had the opportunity to conduct a scheduled port visit to Japan. Hawaii Chief of the Boat Master Chief Sonar Technician Submarine Demyer York, a native of Houston, Texas, noted that the visit was the first time traveling to Japan for many Sailors assigned to Hawaii. “The crew was able to get some rest and see the country,” said York. “We represented our crew, ship, submarine force and nation with pride and honor.”
During the return to home port ceremony, family and friends welcomed the crew back to the Aloha State, celebrating the Sailors' achievements and safe return.
Hawaii’s keel was laid down August 27, 2004, and the submarine was commissioned May 5, 2007. Hawaii is the first commissioned vessel of its name. Measuring 377 feet long and displacing more than 7,800 tons, Hawaii has a crew of approximately 140 Sailors.
Hawaii is assigned to Submarine Squadron 1, capable of supporting various missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike warfare, special operations forces support, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
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