GROTON, Conn. (Feb. 14, 2023) Cmdr. Kenneth Kirkwood, left, commanding officer of the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS California (SSN 781), and Lt. Cmdr. Erik Chamberlain embrace their families during a homecoming event at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., Feb. 14, 2024. California and crew operate under Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 12, whose primary mission is to provide attack submarines that are ready, willing, and able to meet the unique challenges of undersea combat and deployed operations in unforgiving environments across the globe. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Joshua Karsten)