On July 31, sailors assigned to the Virginia-class attack submarine USS Missouri (SSN 780) attended the commissioning ceremony at the Naval Submarine Base New London. More than 3,000 people from across the nation arrived to show their patriotism at the ceremony. The bright, new submarine gave off a certain pureness to the crew and visitors who came to see it.
During the commissioning, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, said, in regards to the Navy’s defense program, “For every dollar we don’t spend correctly, that’s one less we have to defend the country.”
At 377-feet long and over 8,000 tons, the USS Missouri is able to dive up to depths greater than 800 feet and can exceed 25 knots while submerged. The USS Missouri is a multipurpose vessel built for anti-submarine warfare; anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions in both the world’s shallow littoral regions and deep waters.
The construction on Missouri began in December 2004; the submarine’s keel was authenticated during a ceremony on Sept. 27, 2008 at the Electric Boat facility in North Kingstown, RI; and, she was christened during a late morning ceremony at Electric Boat on Dec. 5, 2009.
The USS Missouri is named in honor of the people of the “Show Me State.” The last USS Missouri, the legendary battleship, was the site where Fleet Adm. Chester Nimitz, Gen. Douglas MacArthur, and many other U.S. and Allied officers accepted the unconditional surrender of the Japanese at the end of World War II on Sept. 2, 1945.
(l-r) On Monday, August 2nd, Congressman Joe Courtney presented an award to WWII veteran, submariner, and CT Veterans Hall of Famer Ernie Plantz, Gales Ferry. The award is made from granite used to build the National WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C. During WWII, Ernie was held captive for 1,297 days by the Japanese. After 10 months recuperating at a Navy hospital near Chicago, he returning to active duty. He retired as a Lieutenant in 1970. He remains an active member of Sub Vets and other organizations.
Naval Submarine Support Center Command Master Chief Alexander “Big Al”Atkinson is piped ashore during his retirement ceremony on Naval Submarine Base New London’s Pier 17, July 30. Al retired after thirty years of service in the United States Navy, with almost half of his career in command leadership position. He was presented many awards and accommodations during his retirement ceremony, including congratulatory letters from former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton and President Barack Obama.
“Class 10300/10310″, USS PHILADELPHIA (SSN-690) graduated from Basic Enlisted Submarine School, Thursday, 1 July.
Seaman Apprentice Stephen Marchi was Class Honorman with a 95.65 Grade Point Average. Marchi, who continues in Apprentice Team Training, ATT, was also meritoriously advanced because of his overall academic achievement.
Seaman Robert Bruneel received the Navy League Award for his academic efforts. Bruneel also continues in the ATT pipeline.
Fireman Sean Day was recipient of the Submarine League’s William Purdum Award for most improved student. Day continues in Basic Mechanical Skills, BMS, training.
With Grade Point Averages of over 90.0, Seaman Apprentice Raynard Robinson, Seaman Christopher Archer, Seaman Apprentice Jeremy Kramer, Seaman Francis Rhoad, Seaman Apprentice Troy Puloka, Seaman Edmund Martin, Seaman Christopher Cosme, Seaman Charles Tomberlin, Seaman Apprentice Brian Hartnett and Seaman Jason Sherrill were named Graduates with Distinction.
Basic Enlisted Submarine School is a six-week introduction to the basic theory, construction and operation of nuclear powered submarines. In preparation for an assignment, Sailors receive instruction on shipboard organization, submarine safety and escape procedures.
Grossman’s Seafood announces they will host a FREE lobster dinner for 600 active duty and retired military personnel and their families. The event will take place on Sunday, July 18, from 11am to 4pm outside Grossman’s Seafood, 479 Goldstar Highway, Groton.
“We want to demonstrate our sincere appreciation for our military neighbors for all their sacrifice, hard work and dedication to our country,” says Christian Porter, Operations Manager for Grossman’s Seafood. “We recognize the challenges our military men and women face every day.”
The free dinner will include lobster, mussels, steamers and baked potato. Entertainment will include a special appearance by Miss CT, music by The Rhythm Method, and a moonwalk and other special activities for family enjoyment!
Tickets are limited to four per family. Children 16 years and younger will receive hamburgers (instead of a lobster) provided by Johnny Rockets. Guests must present a military ID card along with their ticket.
Tickets are FREE but required. On July 6th, tickets are available for active military only and on July 7th, tickets available for retired military only. Tickets are on a first come first serve basis at the Groton Subase ITT Building 164. ITT opens at 8am.
