The Connecticut Navy League Council is proud to announce the official adoption of the U.S.S. Hartford (SSN 768), a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, under the Navy League’s national program to support active-duty warships. The adoption, formalized in September, strengthens our ongoing commitment to supporting the men and women serving in the sea services.
The U.S.S. Hartford joins the ranks of the U.S.S. Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) and U.S.S. Connecticut (SSN 22)—two other warships sponsored by the Connecticut Council—each reflecting our dedication to ensuring that our service members feel supported and appreciated throughout their time at sea and in port.
Currently, the U.S.S. Hartford is undergoing a significant multi-year, $1 billion overhaul at the Electric Boat Shipyard in Groton, Connecticut, set to be completed in late 2026. The extensive upgrades span the entire length of the vessel and include a new combat control system, ensuring that Hartford will be ready for the complex challenges of future missions. Once the overhaul is complete, the sub will change its homeport to San Diego.
A Historic Legacy
Commissioned in December 1995 in Groton, the U.S.S. Hartford is the second warship to bear the name of our state’s capital. The first U.S.S. Hartford was a Civil War-era sloop-of-war steamer that served as the flagship of Admiral David Farragut’s squadron during the famous Battle of Mobile Bay. During that battle, Admiral Farragut’s decisive order, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!”, led to a historic Union victory. This storied command is now proudly carried as the motto of today’s U.S.S. Hartford.
The current U.S.S. Hartford is one of forty-one active-duty Los Angeles-class submarines. The sub features four torpedo tubes and twelve vertical missile launching cells, making it a formidable asset in the U.S. Navy’s fleet. In addition to its technological capabilities, the U.S.S. Hartford is making strides in inclusivity, having recently started integrating female officers into its crew, beginning with the addition of its first female Supply Officer this summer.
Leadership and Looking Ahead
The U.S.S. Hartford is commanded by CDR Kevin J. Behm, USN, a 2004 Naval Academy graduate originally from Pennsylvania. Under his leadership, the crew is working diligently to maintain operational readiness during the extensive overhaul, a period that presents unique challenges and demands exceptional focus and dedication from all personnel.
The Connecticut Navy League Council extends its warmest welcome and best wishes to CDR Behm and the officers and crew of the U.S.S. Hartford as they navigate the complexities of this major shipyard period. We are honored to stand by them and look forward to supporting the Hartford as we do our other two sponsored vessels.
Finally, a special thanks to New Hampshire Council President Kevin Galeaz, a former submariner himself, who played a crucial role in connecting the Connecticut Navy League with the U.S.S. Hartford’s commanding officer.
The Connecticut Navy League is excited for the future of this partnership and looks forward to building a lasting relationship with the crew of the U.S.S. Hartford.
Welcome aboard, U.S.S. Hartford!
