Archives for April 2018
Newest Virginia-Class USS Colorado Commissioned
April 4, 2018 by
(l-r) Commander Reed Koepp, Lieutenant Commander Stephen M. Col proud to serve abroad the USS Colorado.
by Jack Lakowsky; photos by Seth Bendfeldt
The United States Navy commissioned its newest Virginia-Class submarine, USS Colorado (SSN 778) on March 17. It will be the 15th Virginia-Class attack submarine to join the fleet.
Described as the most modern and sophisticated attack submarine in the world, the Colorado can operate in multiple combat theaters and situations. The sub is equipped with multiple innovative features including Special Forces support and a new kind of non-penetrating periscope-rather than a traditional scope, it was replaced by infrared digital cameras, operated by a video game controller. This change was made to accommodate for the newest generation of submariners, according to Lt. Commander Steve Col. These innovations were made despite the cost-saving mindset behind the vessel’s construction. According to a news release, 20-percent of the ship was redesigned to reduce costs.
The ship was also built to accommodate women, according to Steve, who explained that integration of women will be a goal of future submarine construction. Excellent quality food was a goal in the Colorado’s construction as well, as this adds to the morale of the crew, who can spend as much as nine months underwater.
Commander Reed Koepp, USS Colorado
Steve explained how the submarine force will only expand in the future because land and air based military technology is vulnerable to tracking.
“The demand [for subs] comes from their stealth,” Steve said.
However, neither budget restrictions nor new technology presented the biggest obstacle. Steve said training new crew members on schedule for the Colorado’s first voyage, which entails operating at sea without support, presents the biggest challenge.
Sailors stand at attention as the commissioning of the pennant and flag take place.
A guided tour of the Colorado reveals the strength of character required for the job. The halls are barely the width of an arm’s length. The quarters are six-to-a-room. If uncleaned lint traps are not attended to, life-threatening fires can ignite. Finally, complete isolation from your family in an environment that is as hostile to human life as deep space. Only an iron will, and love of duty could carry one through these tolls.
Mystic Irish Parade 15th Annual — Humongous Success
April 4, 2018 by
(l-r) City of Groton Chief of Police Mike Spellman, Lori Potter, Director of Communications, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, Jan Miller, Regional Ambassador, Alexis Ann, editor & publisher,
the Resident and Ed Stebbins, Stebbins Buyers & Sellers Realty.
The 15th Annual Mystic Irish Parade stepped off without a hitch from the Mystic Seaport parking lot at 1 pm on Sunday, March 25th. Despite the morning snow the sun shone intermittently on hundreds of floats, thousands of participants and several thousand spectators.
You might say that the Luck of the Irish was certainly in full play as the snow stopped just short of the parade but as Leo Roche, Parade Founder and Foundation President commented that morning with a twinkle in his eyes and broad Irish grin, “How do you like the weather–It doesn’t snow on the biggest Irish parade in the State of Connecticut.” From bagpipers, to high school bands, fire engines—new and old; to military personnel, law enforcement units to politicians, leprechauns, mariners and the world famous Budweiser Clydesdales. They were all marching in high style while proudly displaying their Irish heritage if even in spirit alone.
Grand Marshals for 2018 were Rob and Bob Valenti, Rob walked while Bob rode in his beloved 1975 Chevrolet that Bob purchased brand new and has kept in the same condition ever since it’s purchase. The Grand Marshals were also in for a special treat when Sift Bakery presented them with a five layer chocolate cake decorated with the parades logo signifying 15 years for the parade.
The parade was capped off with the Budweiser Clydesdales stopping at the reviewing stand to deliver a special case of beer to Leo Roche. Leo was also able to climb up and ride the rest of the route back to Mystic Seaport smiling ear to ear while playing with the Dalmatian mascots along the way.
Parade winners will be awarded on April 8th, 3 pm at Harp & Hound in Downtown Mystic. All are invited to join in the celebration and raise a glass or two to the well-deserving winners. In addition to the winners being awarded the parades raffle for a trip to Ireland will also be pulled at 4 pm. It’s not too late to win a trip to Ireland! See www.mysticirishparade.org for more information.
