'It's really a heartwarming moment': USS Idaho sailors reunite with loved ones

Wed Sep 30th, 2026

Author: Gabrielle Salgado

Published: 5:48 PM MDT September 29, 2026. Updated: 5:48 PM MDT September 29, 2026

GROTON, Conn. — After four months at sea, the USS Idaho docked in Connecticut from its first deployment. Sailors are now spending their time reconnecting with loved ones. Daniel Lannigan, who was part of the first crew to work on the submarine, said he’s happy to be back and call his family. “You could spend hours talking to every single person you know, and you still won't catch up on everything that happened,” Lannigan said.

Lannigan said the crew on board spent every day making connections with each other and creating tighter bonds.

The submarine was commissioned back in April, and its crew of more than 130 sailors supported a wide range of missions, including maritime security, surveillance and deterrence.

It's the fifth ship to be named after the Gem State, but the first navy combat vessel to carry the state's name in more than 100 years. As we previously reported, the vessel's engine room is named after former governor Dirk Kempthorne who passed away one day before the dedication ceremony.

“We spent a lot of time underway, spending a lot of time getting to know a lot of the guys that were around every single day, growing the connections, tighter bonds between all the people on board, playing card games, sports, all sorts of anything that we could get away with,” Lannigan said.

Even though the crew was creating close connections, family and loved ones were top of mind as homecoming neared.

“Everyone is distracted, thinking about going home, thinking about getting back to our cars, families, houses, all sorts of things that need to get caught up on, all the people that we need to talk to,” Lannigan said.

Several crewmembers on board met their children who were born while they were deployed. Lannigan said it was a sweet moment to witness families come together.

“It's really a heartwarming moment for everyone in the crew, just to see all the families and the support that we have back home,” Lannigan said.