MWR Wilderness Challenge is coming to SUBASE Oct. 1-3. See page 7 for details!!
Vol. 49, No. 16
Protect
your
identity
By Heather Forsgren Weaver
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON - Defense
Department officials are urging
service members to be aware of
identity theft and are providing
ways for them to protect them-
selves, the director of DOD’s
personal finance office said.
Dave Julian noted that offi-
cials take the problem very seri-
ously. “We equate it to service
readiness,” he said.
Service members dealing with
financial issues, he explained,
are less likely to be ready to
fully perform their missions.
Identity theft can cause finan-
cial stress, he added.
Young service members who
have grown up in the digital
world sometimes take a casual
approach to divulging informa-
tion that can be useful to iden-
tity thieves, Julian said.
See Identity on Page 4
USS Miami
changes leadership
By MC1 Steven Myers
Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs
GROTON, Conn. – Los
Angeles-class attack submarine
USS Miami (SSN 755) conduct-
ed a change of command cer-
emony Sept. 20 onboard the
submarine at Naval Submarine
Base New London.
Commander Dennis Boyer
turned over command of Miami
to Cmdr. Roger Meyer.
Retired Captain Stephen Marr,
a former Commanding Officer
of USS Salt Lake City (SSN
716), where Boyer served as
Executive Officer, spoke about
Boyer’s leadership and excel-
lence in command.
“I attended the last Miami
change of command and walked
away impressed,” said Marr.
“My only question was how
Dennis makes a great act better.
During his years in command,
Navy celebrates Ombudsmen’s 40 years of volunteer service to Sailors, families
By Lt. Patrick Evans
Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs
GROTON, Conn. - With flow-
ers, gifts and heartfelt gratitude,
members of the Groton/New
London Ombudsman Assembly
were honored for volunteer-
GROTON, Conn. - Rear Adm. Michael McLaughlin, Commander of Submarine Group 2, poses with members of the Groton/New
London Ombudsman Assembly and Fleet and Family Support Center’s Ombudsman Coordinator following the Ombudsman
Appreciation Dinner. McLaughlin was the dinner’s guest speaker, Sept. 14.
Serving the Military Community in Southeastern Connecticut since 1918
GROTON, Conn. – (Left to right) Matt Debrowski, Nicole Pierzchalski, Emily Bienasz, and Paul Bienasz, from Rhythm School Ballroom Dancing in New Britain,
Conn., dance to the music of the “Little German Band” during the Oktoberfest celebration at Naval Submarine Base New London’s North Lake, Sept. 25. See
more photos and a story on Page 6.
he has done just that.”
During Boyer’s tour as com-
manding officer, Miami com-
pleted a historic eight-month,
multi-mission deployment to
the European Command area
of responsibility, for which the
submarine received a Navy Unit
Commendation (NUC). Boyer
also developed a team-based
work environment that con-
sistently exceeded expectations
and ultimately resulted in Miami
earning the Submarine Squadron
FOUR Communications “C” and
Supply Blue “E” awards for
2008 as well as the Tactical “T,”
Medical “M,” and Retention
Excellence Awards for 2009.
As he prepared to turn over
command, Boyer reminded the
crew of her importance to the
Navy’s mission.
“Our people are our most
precious resource. Use them
wisely,” said Boyer. “You are
See Miami on Page 5
ing to support Sailors and their
families during an Ombudsman
Appreciation Dinner at the
Groton Inn and Suites, Sept.
14.
The dinner was part of events
held Navy-wide as part of
Ombudsman Appreciation Day,
which was Sept. 14.
Oktoberfest swings by SUBASE
GROTON, Conn. – Commander Dennis Boyer departs USS Miami (SSN 755) after Miami’s change of command ceremony
aboard the Los Angeles-class submarine, Sept. 20. During the ceremony, he was relieved of command of the vessel from
Cmdr. Roger Meyer.
“Through the years,
Ombudsmen have performed
countless duties with strength,
courage and compassion, cre-
ating a system of support and
encouragement for our Navy
families,” said Beth Darius,
Ombudsman Coordinator, Fleet
and Family Support Center
Photo by Lt. Patrick Evans
(FFSC) at Naval Submarine
Base New London. “Tonight
[Sept. 14], center stage is for
our Ombudsmen: past, present
and future.”
Throughout the day, Navy
leadership recognized the tire-
less efforts of Ombudsmen.
“You may not wear the uni-
form, but you definitely have
answered your nation’s call to
serve,” said Rear Adm. Michael
McLaughlin, Commander of
Submarine Group 2, the din-
ner’s guest speaker. “Thank
you for caring for other fami-
lies, while you cared for your
own. Thank you for answering
an anxious phone call in the
middle of the night, establish-
ing a family e-mail network,
coordinating a holiday project,
welcoming a new family or just
lending an ear.”
Chief of Naval Operations
(CNO) Admiral Gary Roughead
issued a Navy message celebrat-
ing Ombudsmen.
“On behalf of the men and
women of the United States
Navy, I extend my personal
thanks to the thousands of dedi-
cated Navy family Ombudsmen
for their dedication and ser-
vice in support of our Sailors
and their families at home and
around the globe,” the CNO
wrote. “Your continued efforts
Thursday, September 30, 2010
New Haven, CT 06511
40 Sargent Drive
Photo by SN Michael Henderson
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
NEWSPAPERS
SHORE LINE
PRSRT/STD
INSIDE
Group Two
Sailor honored
by Chamber
Page 2
Photo by MC1 Virginia Schaefer
Bicycles parade
through
Dealey Center
and support allow our Sailors to
focus on their mission, knowing
that their families at home have Page 7
the resources they need. Thank
you to all the Ombudsmen for
continuing to serve and support
our Navy family. Your mission
is vital as we continue to be a
global force for good.”
In a recorded statement
recognizing the contribu-
tion of ombudsmen, Master
Chief Petty Officer of the Navy
(MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. West
said, “When families respond Halloween
to the challenges of deploy- returns to
ments, natural disasters or fam-
ily emergencies, ombudsmen Mystic
are there to provide guidance
and to help them regain a sense Page 8
of normalcy. They help families
find the answers to their ques-
tions, promoting their resiliency
and self reliance. Mission read-
iness is directly tied to family
INDEX
readiness, and family readiness Local...................................2
is directly tied to the selfless AtEase.......................................7
dedication of our extraordinary Classifieds........................8
ombudsman.”
Navy spouses have been
volunteering for four decades
through the Navy’s Ombudsman
Program. Former Chief of Naval
Operations (CNO) Adm. Elmo
Zumwalt introduced the pro-
gram to the Navy, Sept. 14,
1970. Zumwalt adapted the
See Ombudsmen on Page 5
2 • THE DOLPHIN • Thursday, September 30, 2010

Submarine Group 2 staffer named

Service Person of the Month
By Lt. Patrick Evans
Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs Officer
This newspaper is an authorized publication for personnel of the
Department of Defense and their families. Contents of The Dolphin are not
necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the
GROTON, Conn. – The
Department of Defense or the Department of the Navy. Service Person of the Month
(SPOM) for September 2010
Commanding Officer Naval Submarine Base New London was honored during a breakfast
Capt. Marc W. Denno meeting of the Ledyard Rotary
Executive Officer Naval Submarine Base New London at the Groton Inn and Suites on
Cmdr. Daniel M. Rossler Sept. 23.
Command Master Chief Naval Submarine Base New London Yeoman 1st Class Sheila
CMDCM(SS) Ray Powell Trout of Submarine Group 2
Public Affairs Officer - Christopher Zendan
Editor - Sheryl Walsh
was selected for the honor in
Editorial Assistant - Christina Lough the year-long program run by
Public Affairs Staff - MCC(SW/AW)Evelyn Haywood, the Chamber of Commerce of
MCC(SW) James O’Donnell, MC1(AW) Peter Blair, Eastern Connecticut.
MM3 Sean Phillips, ET3 Timothy Walter, SN Joshua Hirschfeld Outside of the office, Trout
and SN Michael Henderson has volunteered with the Special
Olympics, the Mystic Art Show
• NEWS - The editorial content of this newspaper is prepared, edited and Charles Barnum Elementary
and provided by the Public Affairs Office of the Naval Submarine Base New School. At work, she re-ener-
London. News items and photos must be received by 4 p.m. the Friday
before publication. News ideas and questions can be directed to Christopher
gized the Career Counselor
Zendan at 694-5980. Readers can e-mail us at dolphin@ctcentral.com. Log Program and is president of the
onto the Web site at www.dolphin-news.com. Submarine Group 2 First Class
• ADDRESS - The Dolphin staff can be reached at 694-3514 or write to: Petty Officer Association.
The Dolphin, Naval Submarine Base New London PAO, Box 44, Groton, CT In accepting the honor, Trout,
06349-5044. All news releases should be sent to this address. a native of Chicago, thanked
• ADVERTISING - Advertisements are solicited by Shore Line “great leaders who have assist-
Newspapers and not the editorial staff or Public Affairs Office. Inquiries ed, trained and worked with
regarding advertisements should be directed to the Display Advertising or me.”
Classified Advertising departments.
Display Advertising, Laura Carpenter at (203) 752-2704, Betsy
She continued: “There’s not Photo by Lt. Patrick Evens
Lemkin at (203) 752-2706 and Mercy Mosher at (203) 752-2702 one thing I can think of that GROTON, Conn. - From left to right: Denny Hicks, with Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut; Petty Officer 1st
Classified Advertising (in Conn.) (800) 922-7066 I’ve done by myself. It’s always
Class Sheila Trout; and Rear Adm. Michael McLaughlin, Commander, Submarine Group 2, during the Service Person of the
Classified Advertising (outside Conn.) (203) 789-5200 been as a team coming together
and working together.” Month breakfast.
The Dolphin is published every Thursday by Shoreline Newspapers, Rear Admiral Michael ated,” said McLaughlin. Eastern Connecticut in coopera- organizations. Annually, the
40 Sargent Drive, New Haven, CT 06511. Telephone (203) 752-2701. McLaughlin, Commander of The Service Person of the tion with all active duty units Eastern Connecticut Council of
Minimum weekly circulation 10,000. Submarine Group 2, recognized Month Program provides com- of military organizations per- the Navy League of the United
Trout for her well-deserved munity recognition of out- manently based in this area. It States selects the most outstand-
John Slater, General Manager
Shore Line Newspapers
accomplishment. standing active duty enlisted is actively supported by local ing man or woman from the
The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the Naval “I thank you for your hard personnel stationed in the service clubs and civic orga- “Service Person of the Month”
Submarine Base New London Public Affairs Office. work and dedication to people, New London/Groton area. nizations. Selectees are hon- selectees to be honored as the
The Dolphin is published by Shoreline Newspapers, a private firm in no which can be tough and may be The program is sponsored by ored at an event sponsored New London/Groton area “Sea/
way connected with the Department of Defense or the U.S. Navy under exclu- unseen, but is always appreci- the Chamber of Commerce of by one of the local clubs or Shore Person of the Year.”
sive written contract with the Naval Submarine Base New London.

Don’t forget to lock your door!

The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts of
supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense
or Shoreline Newspapers of the products and services advertised.
Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for pur-
chase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national
origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other
non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. Submarine Base New London Davis from SUBASE Security. hanging out in a shipmate’s
This newspaper is printed on recycled newsprint. Please help conserve our By MC1 (AW) Peter D. Blair (SUBASE) just as easily as it “Security will investigate the room, or in a common area;
resources and recycle this paper when you are finished with it. can at sea. theft and attempt to retrieve they have no idea that now
GROTON, Conn. – Being If you leave the door to your the victim’s valuables, but the their laptop, X-Box, jewelry or

News in your community in a tight knit organization

Hispanic Heritage
month event scheduled
Naval Submarine Base New
London’s Diversity Committee
will sponsor a Hispanic Heritage
Month event, today at 11 a.m.,
in Bledsoe Hall Auditorium. The
event will consist of foods from
all over the Hispanic Diaspora
as well as lesson and dem-
onstrations in Salsa and other
Latin dances.
Dolphin Mini-Mart
closed for renovations
The Naval Submarine Base
New London Dolphin Mini-Mart
on Sailfish Road will be closed
for renovations until Oct. 24.
During this timeframe the
Navy Exchange Autoport/Gas
Station will remain open until
10 p.m. nightly, and its inven-
tory will be modified to carry
many items that were normally
purchased at the Mini-Mart.
Contractors will also be remov-
ing the test wells on Sailfish
Road. Flagman will direct traf-
fic in and out of Sailfish Road
until work is complete.
Sea Scout open house
new member night
Sea Scout Ship “Dragon” 584
would like to invite you to their
open house, Oct. 4 from 7 to 8
p.m., at the Submarine Veterans
Hall, located at 40 School Street
in Groton. At that time you will
have an opportunity to find out
more about our activities and
to meet some of our current
members.
Sea Scout Ship “Dragon” 584
has a select group of young
men and young women,
between the ages of 14 and
20, interested in boating. The
program offers development
in many nautical skills and
this group specializes in sail-
ing and competitive racing.
They are involved with many
community organizations such
Dust off those Winter Blues!
By MM3 Sean Phillips
Autumn is here and it’s time to dust off those dress blues.
The official uniform shift is October 4. Personnel are reminded
to ensure their uniform is clean with the correct command
patch and appropriate rating/ranks sewn on. The NEX Uniform
Shop’s hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 6
a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; there is
no tailoring service on Sunday. Contact the Uniform Shop at
(860) 446-5426.
Visit our Web site at
www.dolphin-news.com
as Mystic Seaport, Friends of
Mystic Aquarium, US Power
Squadron, New London Main
Street, U.S. Coast Guard, mili-
tary academies, SUBVETS,
Groton Submarine Base, and
John Gardner Rowing Clubs.
The Sea Scouts have sev-
eral of their own sailboats,
including a 30-foot Bristol sail-
boat, 29-foot CAL sailboat, and
27-foot Catalina, which they
sail in the Thames River and
Long Island Sound, making
weekday and weekend trips.
In addition, they try to make
several overnight cruises dur-
ing the year.
For more information, go
to http://subvetsgroton.org/
seascout/default.aspx or call
Marshall Parsons at (860) 514-
1319.
Navy Ball
tickets available
The 235th Connecticut Navy
Birthday Ball “Remembering
our Past to Mold Our Future”
will be held Oct. 15 at 6 p.m.,
at Foxwoods in the Celebrity
Ballroom.
Tickets are $50 per person
and are available through your
command Navy Ball representa-
tive.
Rooms are available in the
MGM Grand for a discount
of nearly 40 percent for the
evening, on a first come first
serve basis. Enjoy an evening
of cocktails, dinner, ceremony,
and dancing.
Tobacco Cessation
classes offered
Tobacco Cessation classes
will be offered at the Naval
Branch Health Clinic Groton,
Oct. 14, 21, 28 and Nov. 4, in
the conference room behind the
quarterdeck. Group one will
meet from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
and group two will meet from 2
to 4:30 p.m. For more informa-
tion, call (860) 694-3104.
like the Navy, Sailors may not
believe that their shipmates
would steal from them, but it
happens. When valuables are
left out in the open it makes
the situation that much easier.
Unsecured larceny is preva-
lent throughout the Navy and
it can happen here at Naval
SUBASE FFSC provides enterprising opportunity
NEW LONDON, Conn. – Patrons attend an Entrepreneur Expo at the Radisson Hotel, Sept. 23, hosted by Naval Submarine Base New London’s (SUBASE) Fleet
and Family Support Center (FFSC) and Military Seeds. The event was open to all military personnel and general public free of charge, and gave representa-
tives of hundreds of franchises and businesses the opportunity to provide some stability among the rising and falling small business trends and turbulent
economy. One organization that stood out was SCORE (score.org), an organization aimed at helping individuals start up small businesses, or further develop
ones that already exist by providing advice to entrepreneurs completely free of charge.
Navy, Marine Corps Public Health Center
declares October is Mental Health Month
By Capt. Anne Nordquist ,
Behavioral Health and Dr. April
Childs, Public Health Educator
NEWPORT, R.I. - The
Navy’s suicide prevention
program aims “to educate,
raise awareness and create a
climate where people are not
afraid to ask for help.”
There is still a stigma that
asking for help is a sign of
weakness and some might be
afraid that if they ask for help
it will affect their career. In
fact, current statistics reveal
that 97 percent of active duty
who sought behavioral health
services were not negative-
ly impacted in their careers.
Navy leadership is genuinely
barracks room unlocked and
items are stolen from your
room, the government is not
required to reimburse you for
your loss.
“The Navy is not respon-
sible for a Sailor’s lost belong-
ings that are stolen from an
unsecured area,” said Master-
at-Arms 2nd class Kevin
concerned about its people
and wants to break down the
barriers so all people know it
is OK to get help.
This concern is being
repeated throughout the mili-
tary, especially in the Army,
which has struggled to con-
trol its historically high rate
of suicide.
It is important to draw
a distinction between gen-
eral moodiness and chronic
depression that can be fatal.
It is important to listen to
people (coworkers, col-
leagues, friends and family
members), what they say and
how they’re speaking, and
if they’re using words that
sound like things are hope-
less - “I wish I weren’t here.
base is not responsible for
their loss.”
Walking away from an
unsecured barracks room, if
only for a moment could lead
to theft.
“Sometimes the victim is
even in the vicinity of their
room when the theft occurs,”
added Davis. “Doing laundry,
I wish I could just go away”
- that kind of thing.
The Navy knows this is a
medical issue, not a moral
matter, and is trying to coun-
ter that stigma and replace
it with hope. And there is
reason to hope, because there
is help.
Warning signs
Signs of depression go
beyond general moodiness of
someone having a “bad day.”
Here’s a checklist:
1. Change of appetite,
weight gain or loss
2. Trouble remembering or
concentrating
3. Fatigue, lack of energy,
sleeping too much or too lit-
tle
4. Feelings of guilt, worth-
money is gone. Sailors don’t
realize it only takes a second
to become a victim of theft.”
Don’t be a statistic, remem-
ber to fully close the doors
in your barracks rooms, keep
valuables locked up within
your room and never tell peo-
ple how many valuables you
have, or what they are worth.
Photo by SN Michael Henderson
lessness or hopelessness
5. Neglect of responsibili-
ties and appearance
6. Withdrawal from families
or friends or usual hobbies
For your friends, for your
family, for your battle buddy
or co-workers, listen-up and
share your compassion and
your knowledge. You may
save a life. For an appoint-
ment in The Department
of Behavioral Health call
(401) 841-4475. You can
obtain anonymous coun-
seling sessions by visiting
MilitaryOneSource.com. If
you or you and your spouse
need assistance in adjust-
ing to life after deployment,
visit www.strengthathome.
com or call Sarah at (857)
364-4173.
Thursday, September 30, 2010 • THE DOLPHIN • 3
4 • THE DOLPHIN • Thursday, September 30, 2010

Sailors run more with less sole
By ET3 Timothy Walter
GROTON, Conn. - Whether
they are called modern moc-
casins, glorified socks, or
Frankenstein flip-flops, Vibram
Five Fingers (VFFs) can be
called running shoes at Naval
Base New London (SUBASE).
“It is qualified as a run-
ning shoe, most definitely,”
said SUBASE Command Fitness
Leader Chief Culinary Specialist
Michael Wanca.
The strange shoes, which
look like rubber gloves for the
feet, have carried thousands of
runners away from traditional
athletic shoes toward a modern
form of barefoot running. VFFs
have capitalized on a decade-
long movement among scien-
tists and runners to explain
why chronic foot and knee pain
still prevails among those who
wear typical running shoes.
That research has led some to
the opinion that less is more
and discarding those few mil-
limeters of sole padding may
make a difference in running
more miles.
Sailors are no exception to this
trend. Whether it’s to decrease
run times or find a way to tread
more lightly, some Sailors are
adopting VFFs. Wanca has
seen many Sailors using the
shoes on base. In spite of the
appearance, Wanca says that if
the shoe fits, wear it.
“If it benefits the Sailor to
perform the [Physical Readiness
Test] at the utmost, highest
capability, then I’m all for
it, despite the looks,” Wanca
said.
When Machinist’s Mate 3rd
class Zachary Short found VFFs,
he was already running five to
seven miles a day in traditional
shoes. But after an online ad, a
lot of research and some tender
feet, he slowly became a fan
of the barefoot feel. Slowly
being the key word, according
to Short.
“At first I could only do a
half mile before I had to take
them off, put them in my back-
pack, and put my regular shoes
on. Eventually I got to where I
finished my triathlon in them,”
he said, “but it took a long
time.”
Vibram’s own instructions
stress proper transition time
for those trying to make the
switch. Depending on the
individual it can take several
weeks, months and in some
cases up to a year.
Navy podiatrist Commander
Raymond McClary has per-
sonally seen patients develop
shin splints and stress fractures
when trying to make the transi-
tion too fast.
“When you go to this bare-
foot or Vibram running it needs
to be done on a gradual basis at
first so the body can get accli-
mated or oriented to it because
you really are using different
muscles,” McClary said. “I’ve
got some fit people who tran-
sition right away to running
barefoot and they injure them-
selves.”
“In western society, we’re
used to using shoes our entire
life. So to go full turn back into
barefoot stuff is just an accident
waiting to happen,” he said.
While he feels that most peo-
ple should stick with standard
shoes, he admitted that some
people can benefit from the Photo by ET3 Timothy Walter
change in stride that accom-
GROTON, Conn. – Machinist’s Mate 3rd class Zachary Short wears his red-on-black Vibram Five Fingers during a walk
panies barefoot running as
through Balfour Beatty Communities’ Polaris Park, Sept. 26. The shoes, which attempt to mimic a bare foot in both function
long as the transition is done
with “a controlled disciplined and form, have made quite the print on the running world in the past five years.
approach.” does,” said Short, adding that runners will strike with their away their regular shoes in
“As long as people do it wise- a little pain is worth the gain. heel, writes Lieberman. Not hopes of passing the PRT.
ly and cautiously, I don’t see a “Once my feet stopped hurting, only does heel striking produce “It really depends on how
problem,” McClary said. it took a lot less energy to run deceleration and greater energy athletic you are. If you struggle
But even then, the transi- and I went a lot longer before I cost, it also causes up to three running the mile and a half,
tion process is not exactly pain started huffing and puffing,” he times the collision force on the then no, I would not use Five
free. said. “My 5k times went from body compared to a barefoot Fingers yet,” Lane said.
“It’s going to hurt, it just 18 to 17 minutes in just the gait. For Lane, both types of shoes

Cars are the stars, bikes are boss at car show

first few weeks.”
Scientific research confirms
that barefoot running actual-
The public is invited to the 4th Annual New Britain Downtown Car Show, Oct. 2. As in ly consumes approximately 4
the past years, New Britain will be filled with beautifully preserved classic cars, pristine percent less energy than run-
50’s era muscle cars and powerful vintage hot rods. New for 2010, Motorcycle enthusiasts ning with traditional shoes. A
and owners are being invited to participate, and will be given their due with a special area person running without tra-
to display their two (or three) wheeled beauties. Also new, will be this year’s addition of ditional shoes uses a different
a Car Corral on the Downtown Green for the display of classic cars that may be for sale. type of gait that lands on the
Ample free and convenient parking is available. This show is all-inclusive, and open to ball of the foot, thus avoiding
motorcycles, muscle cars, street rods, antiques and tuners. Trophies will be awarded for rear-foot strike, according to
cars and motorcycles, as well as a Mayor’s Trophy. A 50/50 raffle will benefit the New Daniel Lieberman, a professor
Britain Police Explorers. of Human Evolutionary Biology
The event will be held adjacent to historic Central Park, across from City Hall in down- at Harvard University.
town New Britain, October 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. While many sprinters will
For more information, e-mail Gerry@newbritaindd.com or call (860) 229-0878. Visit land on the balls of their feet,
them on the Web at www.newbritaindd.com. 75-80 percent of endurance
That increased collision
force may explain why repeti-
tive stress injuries in runners
have “remained considerable
for 30 years despite technologi-
cal advancements that provide
more cushioning and motion
control in shoes designed
for heel-toe running,” writes
Lieberman.
Seeking to avoid those types
of injuries, Electrician’s Mate
3rd Class Brendan Lane recent-
ly ran a marathon using his
pair of VFFs after careful prepa-
ration. But he cautioned any-
one thinking about throwing
have their place in a fitness
regimen. “I use Five Fingers for
trail running and tennis shoes
for sprinting. I switch back and
forth,” Lane said.
With research still ongoing,
it’s unlikely traditional shoes
will disappear from the running
track anytime soon. However,
the five-toed footprints on near-
by trails may multiply if the
trend of barefoot running con-
tinues to take hold.
For more information on the
science of barefoot running,
visit http://www.barefootrun-
ning.fas.harvard.edu/.

Identity ...
Continued from page 1
“Our force is part of the digi-
tal generation. Our force lives
online,” he said. “We see that
they are very forthcoming with
their personal information.”
Additionally, he said, mem-
bers of the military get a steady
paycheck, and companies want
to show their patriotism by
extending credit to them. But
that makes it easier for thieves
to use service members’ stolen
identities and profit quickly.
To help service members
protect against identity theft,
DoD has joined with the
Federal Trade Commission on
its “Deter, Detect and Defend”
campaign, Julian said. While
the campaign is aimed at the
general public, a brochure has
been developed especially for
the military.
One of the key suggestions
for deploying service members
is activating “an active-duty
alert,” which requires creditors
to obtain specific permission
from a service member or an
official representative before
extending credit. There is no
charge for active-duty alerts,
he noted, and they last for one
year and can be extended.
Active-duty alerts can be
activated by calling the toll-
free fraud telephone number
for one of the three nationwide
consumer reporting compa-
nies. That company is required
to notify the other two compa-
nies that a service member has
activated a duty alert.
Another option service mem-
bers can use to protect them-
selves is putting a “freeze” on
their credit report to restrict
access to it. Once a freeze is
in place, potential creditors
and other third parties will
not be able to get access to a
credit report unless the freeze
is lifted.
Credit-freeze laws vary from
state to state. In some states,
only identity-theft victims can
freeze their credit. The cost
of placing, temporarily lifting
or removing a credit freeze
also varies. Many states make
credit freezes free for identity
theft victims, but depending
upon where they live, others
may pay a fee of typically $10
to each of the three credit-
reporting agencies.
Since spouses left at home
often handle deployed ser-
vice members’ finances, they
should be aware of identi-
ty theft and how to protect
against it, Julian said, so iden-
tity theft usually is covered
in pre-deployment briefings
that service members and
their spouses are encouraged
to attend.
Single deployed service
members can be at a disad-
vantage, Julian acknowledged,
because they need to watch
out for identity theft them-
selves or have a trusted agent,
such as a parent, keep track of
their accounts.
But whether single or mar-
ried, he said, service mem-
bers who choose to watch
their finances while they are
deployed need to remember
that common-use comput-
ers are dangerous things. It’s
important, he explained, to log
off - completely back out - if
they are monitoring their per-
sonal information on a com-
mon-use computer or in an
Internet café.
Service members should
request a copy of their credit
report every year from each
credit-reporting agency, Julian
said. Since there are three
credit-reporting agencies, he
suggested requesting a differ-
ent copy from a separate agen-
cy every four months.
Identity theft affecting
deployed service members is
an ongoing problem, said Gary
McAlum, senior vice presi-
dent for enterprise security
for USAA, an insurance and
financial services company.
USAA has worked quickly to
lock down the accounts of
known victims and of service
members whose information
had been stolen but whose
accounts had yet to be tar-
geted, he said.
A recent case involved ser-
vice members victimized by
a criminal ring that collected
personal information and then
used that information to open
credit card accounts and drain
savings accounts, McAlum
said.
Identity thieves sometimes
use “social engineering” to
obtain information, McAlum
said, using an “authoritative-
voice” tactic to get someone
to offer personal information
over the telephone. The thief
then uses the same tactic with
creditors to get credit. A thief
who doesn’t have all of the
information required by the
creditor, he added, often will
“sound dumb” to creditors to
obtain the information.
Deploying service members
“are obviously not going to be
as vigilant as they deploy, get
ready to deploy or are coming
home from a deployment, so
it is important that they use
online resources” to make sure
everything is in order, said
Mike Kelly, USAA spokesman.
McAlum stressed that iden-
tity theft is a significant prob-
lem for the nation. “The fact
that it is exploiting our service
members just makes it worse,”
he added.

Underway on
nuclear power
By MM3 Sean Phillips
GROTON, Conn. – enough for Nautilus; in
September 30th marks a
major achievement in naval
technology - it’s the day the
world’s first nuclear pow-
ered submarine was brought
to life at Naval Submarine
Base New London. For 56
years the United States Navy
has used nuclear reactors to
propel its submarines.
At the urging of Captain
Hyman G. Rickover, Director
of Naval Reactors, Congress
approved the construction
of the world’s first nuclear
powered submarine, July of
1951. The project would not
be an easy one, as Rickover
would be forced to train the
employees at Electric Boat
to build a nuclear power
plant onboard a submarine.
Rickover was successful
however, and on June 14
the keel of the Nautilus was
laid by President Harry S.
Truman. On January 21,
1954, the Nautilus was
launched with First Lady
Mamie Eisenhower break-
ing the traditional bottle of
champagne across the bow
of the ship. Eight months
later, USS Nautilus (SSN
571) was commissioned.
On January 17, 1955 the
first commanding officer of
the Nautilus, Commander
Eugene P. Wilkinson
ordered all lines cast off and
delivered the historic mes-
sage: “Underway on nuclear
power.”
Nuclear power proved
to be a major asset to the
Navy, allowing it to destroy
the top submarine speed (of
up to 20 knots underwater)
and distance (recorded total
Ombudsmen ...
Continued from page 1
program from a 19th century
Scandinavian custom original-
ly established to give private
citizens an avenue to express
their concerns to high govern-
ment office. Local Ombudsmen
are preparing for the next 40
years.
“As we look to the future,
we look to the assembly to find
new and better ways of build-
ing resiliency among our Navy
Miami ...
Continued from page 1
the finest Sailors I know. I am
proud to be your Commanding
Officer and look forward to
your future successes.”
Boyer, a native of DeSoto,
Mo and a 1989 graduate of
Auburn University, will next
serve as Deputy Commander,
Submarine Squadron Seven.
Boyer’s post-graduate accom-
plishments include a Masters of
Education from the University
of Virginia and a Masters of
Arts in National Security and
Strategic Studies from the Naval
War College.
Marr told Meyer that being in
command is the best job in the
world and that he would do a
great job.
“It is the highest honor to
assume this responsibil-
ity today,” said Meyer. “To the
Thursday, September 30, 2010 • THE DOLPHIN • 5
VCNO completes ‘Listen and Learn Tour’ Photo by SN Michael Henderson
GROTON, Conn. – Cathy
Terrall, Child and Youth
Programs Manager,
speaks to Vice Chief of
Naval Operations (VCNO),
of 513,550 miles) records. Admiral Jonathan
Breaking previous sub- Greenert, outside the
mersible records wasn’t Naval Submarine Base
New London (SUBASE)
1958, Nautilus set out from
Child Development
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on
Center (CDC) during his
“Operation Sunshine” to
Listen and Learn tour,
sail under the North Pole.
Sept. 22. The VCNO visit-
Aug. 3 of the same year, the
ship sailed under the North ed SUBASE quality of life
Pole with the ship’s sec- facilities, and hosted a
ond Commanding Officer, “round table” discussion
Commander William R. with the area command
Anderson, saying “For Augmentee Coordinators
the world, our country, (CIAC) and spouses
and the Navy - the North at SUBASE’s Fleet and
Pole.” This feat earned the Family Support Center.
ship the Presidential Unit Shown (left to right):
Commendation, the only Captain Marc Denno,
ship to earn the honor dur- SUBASE Commanding
ing peacetime. Officer, Terrall, Greenert,
In May of 1959, the ship and Janet Anderson, CDC
sailed to Kittery, Maine to Director.
receive its first overhaul
and replacement of its sec-
ond core. The ship was then
assigned to the Sixth Fleet
and became its first nuclear
submarine.
On March 3, 1980, the
ship was finally put to
rest and was decommis-
sioned. Nautilus was made
a national historic landmark
by the Secretary of Interior
on May 20, 1982. The ship
was towed to Groton July
6, 1985 where it was later
opened as a museum April
6, 1986.
The ship remains a remind-
er of America’s nautical
innovation, and the strength
of nuclear propulsion. With
its crew of 11 officers and
105 enlisted Sailors, USS
Nautilus (SSN 571) proved
that nuclear powered ves-
sels could change the way
war was waged and fur-
ther enhance the power and
stealth of the United States
submarine force.
families. Through the acts of ser-
vice today, we are shaping the
next generation of Navy families,
affecting the Navy for next 40
years. My hope is that our good
works today will bring a brighter
tomorrow for our Navy. Victoria
Taylor, Groton/New London
Ombudsman Assembly Chair.
For more information about
the Ombudsman program, can
contact FFSC at (860) 694-3383.
crew, thank you for your hard
work and commitment to the
mission. It is the commitment
from you which makes this sub-
marine and its success possible.
As we begin a new chapter in
Miami’s history, we will contin-
ue to be the frontline asset, per-
forming the countries missions
at the exceptional standard.”
Meyer, a native of Blue Grass,
Iowa, previously served as
Navigation/Operations Officer
aboard USS Tennessee (SSBN
734) Blue and USS Hartford
(SSN 768). He also served as
Executive Officer on board USS
Charlotte (SSN 766). He’s a
1992 graduate of Iowa State
University. Meyer also earned
a Master of Science degree in
Nuclear Engineering from the
University of Utah.
6 • THE DOLPHIN • Thursday, September 30, 2010

GROTON, Conn. – Right, five competitors stuff their face dur-

ing the Oktoberfest bratwurst eating competition at Naval
Submarine Base New London’s North Lake, Sept. 25. The
first person to shovel down six bratwurst received four free
movie tickets to Regal Cinemas and the bragging rights to
go with it.

GROTON, Conn. – Above, Eric Campbell (left), and Jessica

Starkey (right), Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department
short-order cooks, dish out food to hungry Oktoberfest goers.
Bratwurst, sauerkraut, knockwurst on a roll, potato salad,
pretzels, and apple crisp with ice cream were served up
during the event.

GROTON, Conn. – Above, Rhythm School Ballroom Dancing instructors from New Britain, Conn. perform for the
crowd at the Oktoberfest celebration. Instructors Matt Debrowski, Nicole Pierzchalski, Emily Bienasz, and Paul
Bienasz also invited audience members onto the stage to teach them a few moves.

GROTON, Conn. –Left, the “Little German Band” provides music for Oktoberfest goers at Naval Submarine Base
New London’s North Lake.

GROTON, Conn. – Below, Kevin Boedigheimer, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Athletic Director, provides
hayrides for kids and adults along Naval Submarine Base New London’s (SUBASE) Goose Run Golf Course
during Oktoberfest, Sept. 25. Oktoberfest took place at SUBASE’s North Lake, providing guests with food,
drink, music, and dance.

Oktoberfest
kicks off the
fall season By SN Michael Henderson

GROTON, Conn. – The annual Oktoberfest celebration took place at Naval

Submarine Base New London’s (SUBASE) North Lake, providing entertainment,
drinks, and food to SUBASE Sailors and guests, Sept. 25.
SUBASE’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Department gave out more than 600
tickets to the free event. Guests showed up at North Lake to enjoy food, ranging
from bratwurst and sauerkraut, to apple crisp with ice cream; listened to cultural
music from the “Little German Band”; were asked to participate in dancing demon-
strations with the Rhythm School Ballroom Dancing instructors from New Britain,
Conn.; and enjoy the setting sun during a hayride around the Goose Run Golf
Course. GROTON, Conn. – Left,
The final event of the night was the bratwurst eating competition. The first per- The crowd enjoys food,
son to devour all six bratwurst, and last year’s winner, Seaman John Pilgrim, was drink, and music from
rewarded with four free movie tickets to Regal Cinemas. the “Little German
History Lesson Band,” at Naval
Originating in Munich, Oktoberfest was originally held beginning the third week Submarine Base New
of September and ending the first Sunday in October, Oktoberfest originated as a London’s North Lake
horse race honoring the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese in picnic area, Sept. 25.
1810. The citizens of Munich were invited to participate in these festivities.
In 1811, an Agricultural show was tacked on. By 1819, horse races had been
replaced by beer carts and a carnival-like atmosphere. In Munich 1896, beer tents
were replaced by beer halls supported by enterprising breweries.
With the 200th Oktoberfest this year, the festivals have held strong around the
globe, but especially in Munich where the tradition began. Munich’s Oktoberfest
is currently the largest festival in the world, providing more modern entertain-
ment, to include: roller coasters, carousels, music, and of course, large quantities
of alcohol.
Sources:
http://www.ofest.com/history.html
http://www.destination360.com/europe/germany/oktoberfest-history
 Thursday, September 30, 2010 • THE DOLPHIN • 7

Man on the Street:

How are you preparing for the Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA)? MMC(SS/DV) Jeremiah Miller:
“This morning, I ran three and a half
[miles]. I’m actually in training for a
SA Marshall James: half marathon…Typically, Tuesday and
“I pretty much PT as much as I can…I
Thursdays I do four to five milers. Saturdays
maintain my diet. That is the really impor-
or Sundays, I do anywhere between six and
tant part because you can workout all you
ten miles…I’m kind of not worried about
want but if you are still eating garbage you
PT. It just falls in.”
still put on the weight.”

ET2(SS) Richard Bond:

MAC(SW) Tracy Chisolm: “You want the truth? I never had a prob-
“I’m working. I stay on my feet as much lem passing the PFA. It comes natural. My
as I can, much as they hurt, but I still stay regimen is three meals a day at the galley. I
on them… I just did morning PT. I get my kind of, sort of watch what I eat and that’s
pushup and crunch on.” about it.”

HALO Reach “Review”

SN Michael Henderson: Since its Sept. 14 release, I’m sure
you’ve all had enough time to become thoroughly addicted
to HALO Reach. Since I’m a PC snob, you wouldn’t be see-
ing a review from me until the still undetermined PC release
date. So, for those of you who haven’t picked up the game
yet: HALO Reach review from MC1 Peter Blair, (who also
happens to be the biggest HALO fanatic I know,) enjoy.

Remember Reach
By MC1 Peter Blair

“From the beginning, you know the end” to the story of the
planet Reach, in the HALO saga, what you don’t know is how
the story unfolded. In this final installment of HALO series by
the folks at Bungie, a prequel to HALO: Combat Evolved you
learn how the humans on Reach fought to defend the planet.
And Bungie has truly out done themselves with HALO: Reach.
With better graphics, armor upgrades, the new assassination
(beat down) attack, and more terrifying looking versions of the
enemies (especially the Elites), HALO: Reach is by far the best
HALO game yet.
Much like the first three games (HALO, HALO 2 and HALO
3) you are playing as a legendary SPARTAN, but not the Master
Tiempo Libre to perform
Chief. You are a Lieutenant who is only identified as Noble Six,
who according to his “file” has a tendency for lone wolf tactics.
“Six” as he is referred to by the rest of the team has just checked
at Connecticut College
into Noble team the day that Reach comes under attack by the
The two-time Grammy-nominated Tiempo Libre is
forces of the Covenant.
Unlike the Master Chief, who is a SPARTAN II, most of the Ballooned bikes roll through one of the most celebrated Latin bands of today and
Dealey Plaza the true heir to the rich tradition of music from their
Spartans in HALO: Reach are members of the SPARTAN III pro-
gram. These Spartans, known as “disposable” Spartans because native Cuba. Based in Miami, the band consists of
their development and training cost the UNSC less money and seven musicians who were classically trained at La
effort are orphans of the war or other volunteers who decided
to undergo the process to become Spartans. Only Jorge-052, the
Photo by ET3 Timothy Walter ENA, Cuba´s premiere conservatory. They will perform
heavy gunner of Noble team is a SPARTAN II. GROTON, Conn. – Electronics Technician 3rd class Christian Hall keeps an Oct. 16 at 8 p.m. in Palmer Auditorium. Tickets are
This tale of brutality and sacrifice leads players through 11 eye on his son, Gabriel Hall, as he checks a bicycle’s steering during the $28, 24, and 20; Seniors get in for $25, 21.50, and 18;
distinct levels across the planet and into the cold reaches of Library Bicycle Parade, Sept. 25. A free helmet and assorted decorations Student admission is $14, 12, and 10. Call 860-439-
space, each more difficult than the previous. were given to each child who participated. ARTS (2787) for more information.
Fans will notice that the weapons are the same but have
much greater detail. Bungie overhauled their system to advance

Mystic Seaport
the rendering capabilities, creating better graphics and larger
amounts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) players throughout the
game. This overhaul also allowed for the amazing detail in each
level’s appearance.

welcomes autumn
Multiplayer action has been a staple of the Halo franchise,
and “Halo: Reach” offers more choices for cooperative and
competitive play than its predecessors. Along with the familiar
“Deathmatch” and “Capture the Flag” games, more objectives,

with Chowderfest
scenarios and choices about how to play are available in the new
multiplayer modes.
It is not known if another developer will pick up the title and
give fans another round of Killtacular action but Bungie’s swan MYSTIC, Conn. - Visiting
song for the franchise will impress anyone who picks up a battle tugboats Pegasus and
rifle and charges into the breach. Theodore Too, a wide vari-
Do you have what it takes to defend Reach? ety of chowders and fam-
ily-friendly activities will
be featured at Chowderfest,
the annual Columbus Day
Weekend event at Mystic
replica of the fictional tug
Theodore from the popular
Canadian children’s televi-
sion show Theodore Tugboat,
will also be docked along the
museum’s waterfront, Oct. 9
through 17. Visitors will be
able to board the tug and talk

Garde Opera Seri to open Seaport Saturday through

Monday, Oct. 9 through 11,
from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
with the vessel’s crew about
water safety and take pictures
of themselves in the captain’s
The newly restored, 103-

with ‘Madama Butterfly’

year-old tugboat Pegasus, a
maritime icon listed in the
National Register of Historic
NEW LONDON, Conn. - The Garde Arts Center presents Places, will be docked along
Giacomo Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly,” Teatro Lirico D’Europa’s the museum’s waterfront
fully staged opera featuring a full orchestra, screen-projected Saturday through Monday
English supertitles and the debut of a young local talent, Oct. 28, at with the tug’s wheelhouse,
7:30 p.m. The opera will be preceded by an intimate dinner in the engine room and deck open
Garde’s Oasis Room at 5:30 p.m. catered by A Thyme to Cook. to visitors each morning and
At its core, the opera is a story of love between a United afternoon. Built in Baltimore,
States naval officer and a beautiful, but naïve, geisha. Benjamin Md., for the Standard Oil
Franklin Pinkerton, a young U.S. Navy lieutenant stationed in Company of New Jersey,
Japan, arranges with the help of a marriage broker to acquire Pegasus had an illustrious
a young Japanese bride, Cio-Cio-San. Though Pinkerton claims career in New York harbor
to be infatuated with Cio-Cio-San, he later leaves Japan and and saw service in both world
marries an American woman, crushing Cio-Cio-San’s heart and wars. In the 1990s, Pegasus
setting the stage for the opera’s tragic climax. began her second career as
The next opera at the Garde Arts Center will be Mozart’s “The an educational platform and
Magic Flute” Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m. now visits waterfront com-
Tickets for “Madama Butterfly” are $52 orchestra, $60 loge,
munities to help the public
$40 front balcony and $32 rear balcony; pre-show dinner tickets
understand the role harbors
are $50. Tickets are available at the Garde Box Office, 325 State
St., New London, Conn. The Garde Box Office is open Monday play as rich natural habitats
and contributors to our daily
through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and two hours prior to the cur-
economy.
tain on performance days. Tickets may be purchased online at
www.gardearts.org or by phone during regular box office hours Canadian character tug
at (860) 444-7373, Ext. 1. Theodore Too, the life-size
chair. When in Halifax,
Theodore escorts cruise ships
and gives daily harbor tours.
The vessel also personifies the
popular image of a cheerful,
hardworking harbor tug.
Chowderfest’s menu, pre-
pared by Coastal Gourmet,
will feature seven varieties
of chowder: New England,
Manhattan, Rhode Island,
lobster, seafood, blue crab
apple and clam and corn. autumn’s night sky, take Coastal Gourmet, the
Other items, such as stuffed a closer look at fall foliage Museum’s official food ser-
clams, hamburgers and hot aboard the steamboat Sabino vice provider. Visits by
dogs will also be available, and learn 19th-century chow- Pegasus and Theodore Too
as well as seasonal desserts, der cooking techniques in have been made possible by
the Buckingham-Hall house. a grant awarded to Mystic
beer, wine and non-alcoholic
Children are invited to make Seaport from the Connecticut
beverages. Menu items are
a “clammy” art project in the Commission on Culture and
not included in Museum
admission. Children’s Museum, build a Tourism (CCT).
wooden toy boat keepsake Second-day admission for
Additionally, visitors can
and create a tug masterpiece Chowderfest is complimen-
further explore the world of
tugboats in the Museum’s at the Art Spot. tary upon ticket validation.
newest exhibit, TUGS!, listen Support for Chowderfest For more information, visit
to live music, watch plan- is provided by Shipyard www.mysticseaport.org/
etarium programs detailing Brewing Company and chowderfest.
8 • THE DOLPHIN • Thursday, September 30, 2010
GAC presents
“We the People”
NEW LONDON, Conn. - Eastern Connecticut’s
premier showplace for the performing arts, the
Garde Arts Center announces its 2010-11 Bob’s
Discount Furniture Schooltime Performance Series.
Featuring the nation’s finest touring companies,
this series of eight, hour-long plays and musicals
is designed to engage young people in the magic of
live performance, reinforce classroom teaching and
unleash students’ imaginations and creativity.
The series begins with Theatreworks USA’s pro-
duction of “We the People,” Oct. 14 at 10 a.m.
Merging rock, hip-hop and rhythm-and-blues with
American Civics, this all-new musical review,
appropriate for grades 4 - 8, guides the audience
through the three branches of government, the First
Amendment, presidential elections, democracy, the
judicial process and more.
Tickets for groups of 15 or more are $8 each and
will receive one free chaperone ticket with every
15 paid tickets; additional chaperone tickets can
be purchased for $8 each at the time the groups
reservation is made. Tickets for groups of less than
15 people are $10 each. Each person attending will
require a ticket. To reserve or purchase tickets,
schools are encouraged to call as soon as possible
the Garde Box Office at (860) 444-7373, Ext.1, or e-
mail the Box Office at boxoffice@gardearts.org.
Nautical Nightmares
at Mystic Seaport to
begin October 15
MYSTIC, Conn. - Advance reservations strongly recommended for
popular event
Tickets for the 9th annual Nautical Nightmares production at Mystic
Seaport are on sale now.
Performance nights are Oct. 15 and 16, 22 through 24, and 29 through
31. Tours begin nightly at 6:15 p.m. and leave every 15 minutes from
the Museum’s main entrance.
The area’s premier Halloween event is a dramatic experience that explores
ghost tales, legends and unsolved mysteries of days gone by. This year’s
production, “The Mark of Four,” tells the tale of cutthroats, a cursed ring,
dark secrets and a haunted woman. Visitors will be guided by costumed
19th-century roleplayers through the Museum’s darkened village in search
of clues to the mystery of Annie Geary and the Gang of Four – all while
remaining cautious of a curse that may be lurking around any corner.
Advance ticket prices are $21 for adults ($19 for members) and $20
for youth ages 6-18 ($18 for member youth). Walk-in tickets purchased
the day of the performance are $23 for adults ($21 for members) and $22
for youth ages 6-18 ($20 for member youth). Tickets can be purchased
online at www.mysticseaport.org/nauticalnightmares or by calling
(860) 572-5322, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Nautical Nightmares is recommended for children ages 12 and older. The
performance route is not wheelchair accessible and includes several steps.
Visitors will be walking outdoors along both dirt and stone paths and are
encouraged to wear appropriate footwear.
Founded in 1929, Mystic Seaport is the nation’s leading maritime museum.
Admission is $24 for adults, $15 for youth (ages 6-17) and free for children
ages 5 and under. For more information, visit www.mysticseaport.org.
Thursday, September 30, 2010 • THE DOLPHIN • 9
10 • THE DOLPHIN • Thursday, September 30, 2010
 Thursday, September 30, 2010 • THE DOLPHIN • 11

Navy sees increase SUBASE conducts lower base lockdown exercise

in safety program
effectiveness By Ian Graham
Emerging Media, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON – Service members have enough threats to deal

with. Adding unsafe off-duty activities to their own load only adds
to the stress of military service.
During a “DoD Live” bloggers roundtable recently, Navy Rear
Admiral Arthur J. Johnson, commander of the Naval Safety
Center, discussed the Navy’s most recent safety campaign, which
marked record reductions in overall off-duty fatalities.
“We just concluded our summer safety campaign with the con-
clusion of Labor Day weekend, and the results have been satisfac-
tory,” he said.
Labor Day marked the traditional end of summer for Sailors and
Marines, and also the end of the Naval Safety Center’s annual sum-
mer safety campaign, “Live to Play, Play to Live.”
Although reports for the long weekend are not complete, it appears
that both the Navy and Marine Corps enjoyed the safest summer
since the center started keeping these statistics, Johnson said.
Fourteen Sailors and 14 Marines lost their lives between the
Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. Last year, 39 Sailors and
Marines lost their lives during the same period. The Navy’s goal is
zero preventable incidents, Johnson said, but this year’s numbers
are “satisfactory” and indicate a positive trend.
“Bottom line, some of the awareness efforts are starting to pay
dividends,” he said. “Our Sailors are making better decisions and
are acquitting themselves better out there in the real world.”
He attributes a big part of the increase to an increased sense of
ownership and involvement by Sailors and Marines in safety pro- Photo by SN Michael Henderson
grams. The more service members feel as if they’re a part of safety GROTON, Conn. – Hospital Corpsman 3rd class Salvador Cervantes and Electronics Technician 1st class Bobby Blair check the identification of a driver enter-
training, and not just recipients, he said, the more the positive ing Naval Submarine Base New London’s lower base during a drill, Sept. 23. Watchstanders were on high alert after lower base was set to Force Protection
trend will continue. Condition (FPCON) Charlie, closing every gate with the exception of Gate 2. The drill provided the protection of High Value Unit (HVUs) assets, and was run
“We have observed an increase in the safety program by Sailors
in tandem with Naval Station Norfolk, Va.
and Marines throughout the fleet,” he said. “We are starting to see
some benefits of that increase.”

Canadian, U.S. subs participate in torpedo exercise

By Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs
GROTON, Conn. - Canadian Navy Victoria-
class long-range patrol submarine HMCS Corner
Brook (SSK 878) returned to Canada after par-
ticipating in a torpedo exercise with Los Angeles-
class attack submarine USS Memphis (SSN 691)
and Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Mason
(DDG 87) in late August.
The exercise was held in the Cape Cod oper-
ating area and included the firing of 15 Mk48
ADCAP torpedoes and 6 Mk54 torpedoes. This
is the first time Victoria-class submarines have
been used as targets in exercise torpedo firings.
“Being on the receiving end of more than 20
torpedoes is not a natural state for a submari-
ner,” said Lieutenant Commander Alex Kooiman,
Corner Brook’s Commanding officer.
“However, being able to practice a variety of eva-
sive maneuvers numerous times during this exer-
cise will give us a tactical advantage in the future.”
The exercise was an opportunity for both sub-
marine forces to continue to improve their ability
to work together.
“Experiencing the different submarines is an
important part of the Navy’s working relationship
with international partners. They help to enhance
friendly, mutual cooperation and understand-
ing between participating navies by developing
interoperability in naval operations,” said Cmdr.
Charles Maher, Memphis’ Commanding Officer.
Prior to the exercise, Corner Brook visited
Naval Submarine Base New London for a five-
day port call. Submarine Development Squadron
12 was the host squadron. Corner Brook last
visited Groton in May 2009.
HMCS Corner Brook is 230 feet long, 24 feet
across the beam. HMCS Corner Brook has six
torpedo tubes and can carry up to eighteen
Mark 48 Mod 4 heavyweight torpedoes for use
against surface and sub-surface targets.
Memphis was built by Newport News
Shipbuilding and Drydock Company.
Commissioned Dec. 17, 1977, Memphis, a Los
Angeles class attack submarine has multifaceted
missions. It uses stealth, persistence, agility and
firepower to deploy and support special force
operations, disrupt and destroy an adversary’s
military and economic operations at sea, provide
early strike from close proximity, and ensure
undersea superiority.
12 • THE DOLPHIN • Thursday, September 30, 2010