Navy sub back in Groton after 7-month deployment

NEW LONDON, Conn. (AP) — The USS Providence has returned to the U.S. Navy base in Groton following a deployment that was extended to seven months after commanders asked the submarine to stay out longer than planned.

Navy leaders have said deployments that typically last six months could be extended more often as the size of the attack submarine fleet continues to shrink.

The commanding officer of the Providence, Cmdr. Michael Quan, tells The Day of New London that there is some disappointment when a deployment is extended but the crew understands it's their job.

The submarine returned Tuesday after traveling more than 38,000 nautical miles. It stopped in Israel, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Spain.

Quan received a letter from Providence Mayor Angel Taveras (tuh-VEHR'-us) congratulating the crew on a successful deployment.

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Information from: The Day