Groton - The USS Miami received a Navy Unit Commendation on July 14 for meritorious service during a historic eight-month deployment.

Rear Adm. Michael McLaughlin, commander of Submarine Group Two, presented the award to the Miami (SSN 755), a Los Angeles-class submarine that was deployed to the U.S. European area of responsibility.

"We did some research and an Atlantic-based submarine has not received this award in the past two years," McLaughlin said during the presentation. "While your deployment was a long one, the significance of your accomplishments are felt. Good job to you and your crew."

Cmdr. Dennis Boyer, Miami's commanding officer, accepted the award on behalf of the crew.

"Once the crew understood the significance of our operations, they were very motivated throughout the entire eight months," he said.

Most of what the submarine did during the deployment remains classified, according to the press release. The commendation stated that "Miami presented invaluable intelligence for critical operational and policy planning decisions" and "provided a stealthy capability in remote waters that could only be accomplished by a specifically-configured submarine and a highly-trained submarine crew."

During the deployment, the crew visited ports in Norway, Scotland and the United Kingdom.

"Connecticut is extremely proud of USS Miami and all aboard, and especially pleased Miami makes its home port in the 'Submarine Capital of the World,'" Gov. M. Jodi Rell said in a statement. "I also want to extend my thanks and congratulations to all at the sub base for providing such an outstanding level of support to our nation's submarine force."