Providence Journal / Bob Breidenbach
The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Providence is pushed into the dock by tug boats Tuesday at Naval Submarine Base New London after seven months at sea. Click to view a slideshow of the sub's return
GROTON, Conn. -- As the Providence steamed up the Thames River Tuesday afternoon, a cold rain gave way to a downpour of hail.
"The rain, the hail, it was fine," said Providence's captain, Cmdr. Michael Quan. "The hail hit us, and we knew we were home."
Weather had become a bit of a novelty to Quan and his crew. They had spent a seven-month deployment to the Persian Gulf, Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean underwater in the controlled climate of their nuclear-powered, fast-attack Los Angeles-class submarine.
Providence's homecoming included a welcoming letter from Angel Taveras, mayor of the city of Providence.
"We in Providence are proud of the service you provide to our country and the great ship that bears our city's name has a special place in our hearts," Taveras wrote.