(l-r) On Friday, October 15, Commander Mark Prokopius turned over command of the Virginia-class attack submarine, USS New Mexico (SSN 779) to Commander George Perez in a ceremony at the Naval Submarine Base New London’s Shepherd of the Sea Chapel.

story & photos
by Christopher Annino

The USS New Mexico (SSN 779) was commissioned on March 27, 2010 at the Norfolk Naval Base and is now officially a member of the fleet of the United States Navy. On Friday, October 15, Commander Mark Prokopius turned over command of the Virginia-class attack submarine to Commander George Perez in a ceremony at the Naval Submarine Base New London’s Shepherd of the Sea Chapel.

Cmdr. Prokopius has a very successful career both as a Naval officer and as a civilian. He holds a bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame and a Masters of Engineering Management degree from Old Dominion University.  His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), the Navy Commendation Medal (six awards), and the Navy Achievement Medal (three awards), as well as, various unit awards.

Cmdr. Prokopius also served as a member of the Atlantic Fleet Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board.  “We are very proud of him and all of his accomplishments” said Kathy, his wife.

Cmdr. Prokopius added “It will be bitter sweet I will miss taking my crew to sea. I have nothing but positive to say about Commander Perez I wish him the best and I know he will do a tremendous job. The message I would like to leave to my crew is I would like them to continue to progress and move forward through adversity.”

Cmdr. Perez  previously served as combat systems officer aboard USS Montpelier (SSN 765) and executive officer aboard USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740). He also commanded the Provincial Reconstruction Team in eastern Afghanistan’s Nuristan Province, where he served with both the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Perez most recently served as the current operations officer for the Navy Region Southeast.

“I am looking forward to taking command of the USS New Mexico it is a challenge that I am looking forward to. For right now the ship will be in the boat yard for the next few months for maintenance and repairs” said Cmdr. Perez.

During the celebration Cmdr. Prokopius received the meritorious service medal. The award is for, Prokopius advancing the New Mexico and her crew to the leading edge, and for it to be the first Virginia-class submarine to be fully certified in all tactical war fighting areas during Weapons System Acceptance Testing. Rear Admiral Michael McLaughlin was the guest speaker at the event and commented on Prokopius’s tenure as the Commanding officer of the USS New Mexico.

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Lt. Cmdr. Sean Stein and his wife, Nina, share the traditional first kiss during the homecoming of USS Pittsburgh on October 15.

story & photos
by Christopher Annino

On October 15, Commander Michael Savageaux safely led his 13 officers and 121 enlisted sailors safely home to the open arms of their friends and family waiting at the Naval Submarine Base New London. The USS Pittsburgh (SSN 720) was commissioned November 23, 1985 and is the fourth-Navy vessel to be named for Pittsburgh, PA. The USS Pittsburgh, a Los Angeles-class attack submarine, uses its stealth, persistence, agility and firepower to deploy and support special force missions.

“It is great to see all the families today and it is nice to come home, I am very proud of my men and what we accomplished,” said Commander Savageaux.

The Pittsburgh departed for deployment on April 1 and conducted operations in the European Command area. It also supported with missions vital to national security interests. Some of the ports visited were in Scotland, Norway, France, and England.

Machinists Mate 1st Class Zachary Shafer holds his daughter, Jesse, for the first time during the USS Pittsburgh homecoming at Naval Submarine Base New London. Jesse was born while the Los Angeles-class submarine was deployed.

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story & photo
by Christopher Annino

Stonington resident Kim Laabs in front of a pumpkin mushroom.

This year at the annual Wild Mushroom Festival at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center celebrated the flavors and mystique of wild mushrooms on October 3. There were delicious mushroom dishes prepared by chefs from the area’s finest restaurants. People enjoyed live music and local brewed black currant juice, beer, and wine. People brought their own unusual fungal finds to have them identified! Participating restaurants included: Daniel Packer Inne, The Fisherman, Flood Tide, Jasper White’s Summer Shack, La Belle Aurore, Norm’s Best, Puritan & Genesta, RiverWalk, Latitude 41, Singapore Grill, McQuade’s Marketplace and Mystic Soup Company. Cottrell Brewing and Maple Lane Farms provided beverages.

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story & photo
by Christopher Annino

(l-r) Dean Staubley, Karen Montgomery, and Ann Marie Gillespy cross the finish line at the 33rd Jack O’Keefe Memorial Strides Road Race at Camp Harkness Park on October 3rd.

On Sunday, October 3rd, the 33rd Jack O’Keefe Memorial Strides Road Race happened at Camp Harkness Park. Many individuals participated in the race. Proceeds went to benefit Arc of New London County, an organization that helps people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The Event was hosted by Arc of New London County and The Cactus Jack Foundation.

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story & photo
by Christopher Annino

Justin McCraken with his friends and family at his benefit concert.

Justin McCraken was paralyzed in a motor vehicle accident on August 28, 2010. Several weeks ago a musical fundraiser with such guest bands as DOT, Stressbomb, The Munsell Brothers Band, Missing Cat, and Resume performed to raise money so that a wheelchair and ramp could be bought for him. Send any additional funding to: Bank of America, Alicyne Gordon Larson, 28 Main Street, Moosup, CT, 06354

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