Military Times | July 25, 2025

President Donald Trump’s nominee for the next chief of naval operations faced no major opposition during his confirmation hearing Thursday before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Adm. Daryl Caudle, who currently leads U.S. Fleet Forces Command, delivered prepared remarks and answered lawmakers’ questions.

In his opening statement, Caudle described the United States at an inflection point.

“Our country and its citizens are in the midst of a crucial era, defined by global competition, technological saturation, and unpredictable threats that challenge our American dream,” Caudle told lawmakers.

Read full story HERE.

Stars & Stripes | July 23, 2025

The Navy plans to spend up to $250 million to extend and modernize a pier at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor to serve new ballistic missile and attack submarines coming into the fleet in the next decade.

Read full story HERE.

SEAPOWER | July 16, 2025

The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Toledo (SSN 769) arrived at its new homeport of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, from its previous homeport of Portsmouth, Virginia, July 12, 2025. The Toledo joined Submarine Squadron 7 as their fourth Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine.

“Our crew is excited to finally arrive in Pearl Harbor after completing an important maintenance period in Hampton Roads,” said Cmdr. Dustin Kraemer, commanding officer of the Toledo. “Our crew looks forward to the new chapter for Toledo and the opportunities while operating throughout the Indo-Pacific.”

Capt. Corey Poorman, commander, Submarine Squadron 7, met the Toledo pierside upon arrival to welcome the crew to the island. “The Squadron 7 Ohana enthusiastically welcomes the crew and families of the Toledo with Hawaii’s enriched culture and spirit of aloha,” said Poorman. “Our team looks forward to continuing the training and certification of Toledo’s crew in defense of our nation and its allies and partners.” 

Full Story HERE. 

TWZ | July 15, 2025

The USS Connecticut, one of the U.S. Navy’s prized Seawolf class nuclear attack submarines, is set to finally return to service late next year. The Navy previously indicated it could rejoin the fleet this fall. Connecticut is currently at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Washington State for repairs and other work after suffering major damage, particularly to its bow, from a collision with an underwater seamount in the South China Sea in 2021.

Read full story HERE.

Bowfin News | July 12, 2025

The Los Angeles-class Flight III 688i (Improved) attack submarine USS Toledo (SSN 769) made a significant entrance into its new homeport at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, today. This marks a new chapter for the storied vessel, which recently completed an extensive engineered overhaul and modernization, ensuring its continued operational relevance in the U.S. Navy’s submarine fleet.

The 688i brings quieter operation, advanced sonar, and the ability to operate under ice, making it one of the most versatile submarines in the U.S. Navy. These upgrades ensure the Toledo can conduct a wide range of missions, from intelligence gathering and special operations to direct engagement and support of carrier strike groups.

Upon her arrival, the USS Toledo was greeted by the Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base Submarine Veterans (Subvets), a group with deep ties to the legacy of undersea warfare. The Bowfin subvets, named after the historic WWII submarine USS Bowfin (“Pearl Harbor Avenger”), are known for their dedication to preserving submarine history and supporting active-duty submarine crews in Pearl Harbor.

With her arrival at Pearl Harbor, the USS Toledo embarks on a new era of service, ready to meet the demands of the Pacific theater. She strengthens the U.S. Navy’s undersea capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. As strategic challenges evolve, the presence of a modernized, battle-ready 688i submarine enhances deterrence and supports the Navy’s commitment to regional security.

More Photos HERE.