This July 11 Red Friday, the Connecticut Veterans Bulletin honors the courageous U.S. service members currently deployed overseas and the dedicated families who support them from home.

We recognize the sacrifices made by these troops as they carry out vital missions across the globe. Equally important are the Blue Star Families—military families with loved ones on active duty—who demonstrate resilience, strength, and unwavering support through the challenges of separation.

What is a Blue Star Family?

A Blue Star Family is defined as a military family with a service member actively serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The tradition dates back to World War I when families displayed banners featuring blue stars to represent each active-duty loved one. Today, Blue Star Families form a nationwide community that advocates for military families’ well-being and provides crucial support during deployments.

Standing Behind Those Who Serve

The strength of our military comes not only from the service members but also from the families who support them. Blue Star Families play an essential role by offering emotional support, coordinating community resources, and advocating for the unique needs of military households.

Their sacrifices often go unnoticed but are fundamental to the success of every mission. These families embody resilience and patriotism, sustaining their loved ones throughout deployment.

On this Red Friday, we salute the brave men and women in uniform and the Blue Star Families who stand beside them. Your dedication and sacrifice inspire us all and remind us of the true meaning of service.

USS Delaware Returns to Connecticut July 5: Submarine Sailors Reunite After Overseas Deployment

On Saturday, July 5, 2025, the USS Delaware (SSN 791) returned to Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut, after a six-month overseas deployment.

The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine operated under U.S. European Command, completing multiple undersea missions and traveling more than 42,000 nautical miles over the course of 205 days deployed, 194 of which were at sea.

Among its achievements, the USS Delaware became the first submarine to launch and recover a Yellow Moray unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) from a torpedo tube during an operational deployment—marking a historic milestone in modern submarine warfare.

The submarine’s commanding officer, Commander Jason Patton, praised the crew for their endurance and teamwork. He noted that during the long deployment, the crew faced cold, rough seas and challenging operating conditions. At the same time, their families back home—many of them Blue Star Families—managed life on the home front without interruption, dealing with home repairs, illnesses, and the day-to-day stress of separation.

When the Delaware arrived at the pier, families were waiting with open arms, signs, and tears of joy. The Navy held a drawing for the traditional “first hug” and “first kiss” honors. Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Duncan Arnold was chosen for the first hug, and Chief Electronics Technician Douglas Ames was selected for the first kiss. Both embraced their families in emotional reunions.

During the deployment, 54 sailors earned their submarine warfare insignia, known as “dolphins,” recognizing them as fully qualified submariners.

Families in Connecticut prepared for the Delaware’s return for weeks, organizing welcome banners, family events, and post-deployment resources. Local Blue Star Family groups coordinated care packages, child care support, and even family counseling resources to ease the transition.

This deployment strengthened U.S. strategic presence in Europe and demonstrated the submarine force’s ability to conduct extended undersea operations with advanced technology. At home, it also reminded the nation of the strength and sacrifice of military families waiting patiently for the moment their loved ones walk back down the pier.

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U.S. AFRICOM Airstrikes in Somalia Target ISIS Leadership in Puntland

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🗓️ Mission Execution

On July 9, 2025, United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted precision airstrikes targeting ISIS-affiliated militants in the Cal Miskaad Mountains of Puntland, northeastern Somalia. The mission successfully eliminated senior ISIS leader Ahmed Maeleminine, a known recruiter and financier for the group. Somali regional officials confirmed that 46 militants were killed in the strikes.

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🎯 Operational Details

• Target Intelligence: The strike followed joint surveillance operations that identified an ISIS training compound in the rugged terrain of Puntland.
• Strike Assets: The airstrikes were conducted by U.S. remotely piloted aircraft, minimizing risk to civilians and allied personnel.
• Impact: Elimination of Maeleminine and dozens of fighters disrupted immediate ISIS operational capabilities in the region.
• AFRICOM Statement: The command emphasized that the mission neutralized an active threat to partner nations and U.S. interests in East Africa.

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🌍 Strategic Importance

• ISIS in East Africa: In recent years, ISIS factions have established footholds in Somalia, exploiting the region’s fragmented governance.
• Puntland Safe Havens: The Cal Miskaad mountain range has long served as a remote stronghold for extremist elements, providing natural cover for training and logistics.
• Operational Messaging: The strike reinforces AFRICOM’s capacity to engage hostile actors without permanent basing, using precision engagement and strategic intelligence partnerships.

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🛡️ Role of Deployed Personnel

The air operation was supported by deployed personnel assigned to AFRICOM’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and strike coordination units. These service members, deployed to forward-operating locations across the Horn of Africa and aboard offshore platforms, executed the mission as part of sustained regional security operations.

U.S. personnel continue rotational deployments across the African continent, working alongside Somali forces and African Union peacekeepers in efforts to disrupt extremist networks and stabilize local governance.

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🔍 Operational Takeaways

• Successful decapitation strike against ISIS operational leadership.
• Undermined the ability of ISIS-Somalia to recruit, finance, and conduct regional attacks.
• Demonstrated AFRICOM’s agility in conducting high-value target strikes without large-scale ground presence.

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This precision operation highlights the reach and effectiveness of U.S. deployed forces in high-threat regions. Through tactical strikes, intelligence fusion, and operational coordination, U.S. personnel continue to play a vital role in disrupting transnational terrorist threats and safeguarding allied stability across East Africa.

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Idaho National Guard’s 124th Fighter Wing Returns 300 Airmen from Middle East Deployment

More than 300 Airmen from the 124th Fighter Wing of the Idaho Air National Guard returned home to Gowen Field in Boise on July 8, 2025, following a multi-month overseas deployment in the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility. These service members supported a range of critical missions, including air combat operations using the A‑10 Thunderbolt II aircraft.

Deployment Overview

The airmen left in late March 2025, deploying to Southwest Asia as part of a coordinated mission to bolster U.S. and allied operations in the region. Their mission involved:

• Providing close-air support with A-10 aircraft
• Supporting ground forces through precision air patrols
• Conducting operations that ensured regional stability

The deployment included not only pilots, but also aircraft maintainers, munitions specialists, and support personnel who kept the operations running 24/7 under combat-readiness conditions.

Leadership Remarks

Colonel Ryan Richardson, Commander of the 124th Fighter Wing, praised the unit’s performance overseas, stating that their professionalism and teamwork reflect the proud legacy of the Idaho National Guard. Major General Tim Donnellan, Idaho’s Adjutant General, also applauded the unit for continuing to uphold its mission while representing both the state and the nation with distinction.

Homecoming and Support

Families, friends, and supporters gathered at Gowen Field on July 8 to welcome the returning airmen. The homecoming ceremony celebrated their successful mission and the sacrifices made by families and employers who supported them during their time away.

Throughout the deployment, community groups, support organizations, and family readiness teams helped those at home stay connected and supported—ensuring a strong foundation while the airmen served overseas.

Readiness and Legacy

The 124th Fighter Wing has a long history of overseas deployments, having previously supported operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria. This recent mission further strengthens the unit’s experience and enhances its ability to support both federal and state-level tasks.

Returning airmen will now undergo a transition phase that includes:

• Post-deployment health checks
• Equipment inspections and reset
• Scheduled leave and reintegration

As these airmen resume their duties at home, their successful deployment serves as a reminder of the vital role that National Guard members play in global operations—while continuing to be leaders in their communities.