JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (Jan. 31, 2024) The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS North Carolina (SSN 777) returns to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam after a seven-month deployment, Jan. 31, 2024. USS North Carolina is the fourth submarine of the Virginia-class; the first class designated and built post-Cold War in order to meet the challenges of the 21st century, and has improved stealth; sophisticated surveillance capabilities, and special warfare enhancements that enable it to meet the Navy's multi-mission requirements. (U.S. Navy photo by Cmdr. Amelia Umayam)