Check out what movies are playing in Dealey Center Theater this week on Page 5!

Vol. 49, No. 19 Serving the Military Community in Southeastern Connecticut since 1918 Thursday, October 21, 2010

USS Pittsburgh returns home from deployment

By MC1 Steven Myers
Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. – Los

Angeles-class attack subma-
rine USS Pittsburgh (SSN
720) returned to wait-

New Haven, CT 06511

ing loved ones at Naval

40 Sargent Drive
Submarine Base New
London, Oct. 15.
Pittsburgh, which depart-
ed April 1 for a six-month
deployment, conducted
operations in the European
Command area of responsi-
bility.
“It’s great to see all the
families here. Six months
is a long time to be out
to sea on a submarine,
so its nice to come home
and know your are appre-
ciated, missed, and made
to feel welcome again,”
said Commander Michael
Savageaux, Pittsburgh’s
commanding officer.
An enlisted crew member
and officer were chosen to
receive the traditional first
kiss. They were Electronics Photo by MC1 Steven Myers
Technician 3rd Class Loren
GROTON, Conn. – Line handlers aboard Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Pittsburgh (SSN 720) pull the forward lines across as the submarine moors at Naval
Trover and his wife Andrea;
Submarine Base New London following a six-month deployment. Pittsburgh conducted missions in the European Command area of operations, Oct.15.
and, Lieutenant Commander
Sean Stein and his wife Senior Chief Fire Control received the first hug. lies had some very similar visiting ports in Faslane,
Nina. Emily, daughter of Technician David Fennell While waiting, the fami- thoughts. Scotland; Haakonsvern,

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

It’s great that they’re back,” Norway; Brest, France; and

NEWSPAPERS
SHORE LINE

said Nina Stein. ‘It’s suppos-
edly cold outside today, but I
feel really warm inside.”
Andrea Trover agreed.
“Now if I can only keep it
together for these last few
minutes everything will be
all right,” she said.
Machinist’s Mate 1st Class
Zachary Shafer was met
with a first as well. He
met his newest child, Jesse,
for the first time. She was
born while Pittsburgh was
deployed.
“It’s great to be back,”
said Shafer. “Now I get to
work on a relationship with
my daughter. Hopefully, we
can get her to the point
where she doesn’t cry when
I pick her up.”
Pittsburgh’s crew
was able to enjoy some
European culture while
PRSRT/STD
Portsmouth, England. The
submarine steamed about
30,000 miles during her
deployment.
Fast-attack submarines like
INSIDE
Pittsburgh have multi-facet-
ed missions. They use their
stealth, persistence, agility
and firepower to deploy and
support special force opera-
tions, disrupt and destroy
an adversary’s military and
economic operations at sea,
provide early strike from
close proximity, and ensure
undersea superiority.
The submarine, commis- New Mexico
sioned Nov. 23, 1985, is
the fourth Navy vessel to changes
be named for the people hands
of Pittsburgh, Pa. The sub-
marine’s crew compliment Page 3
includes 13 officers and 121
enlisted Sailors.
Photo by MC1 Steven Myers

GROTON, Conn. – Machinists Mate 1st Class Zachary Shafer holds his daughter,
Jesse, for the first time during the USS Pittsburgh (SSN 720) homecoming at
Naval Submarine Base New London, Oct. 15. Jesse was born while the Los
Angeles-class submarine was deployed to the European Command area of
operations.

Happy
Haven’t even asked for your ballot yet? Still not too late!
If you’ve gotten behind and not requested your absentee
ballot, it’s not too late. Many election officials can accept
Kris Allen concert 235th Birthday
U.S. Navy!!!
Page 4
tickets still available
your registration and absentee ballot application by email
or fax, and will send you back your ballot by e-mail, fax,
or by posting online. Requesting your ballot is simple and
fast at www.FVAP.gov where you can use our online reg-
istration and absentee ballot assistant to complete your
Federal Postcard Application (FPCA) and have your forms By SN Michael Henderson
completed, printed out, and ready to send back home in less
than 10 minutes. Contact your command voting representa- GROTON, Conn. - The season eight winner of American
tive for more information. Idol, Kris Allen, will be performing at Naval Submarine
Base New London’s Dealey Theater, tomorrow. The FREE

VA urges vets to use benefits, services
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON - The
Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA) has launched a campaign
to encourage veterans of Iraq and
Afghanistan to take advantage of
available VA benefits and servic-
es.
VA broadcast the first in a series
of paid multimedia advertisements
last week in six major U.S. mar-
kets as part of its National Veterans
Awareness Campaign, VA Press
Secretary Katie Roberts said
The locations - Norfolk, Va.;
Raleigh, N.C.; Savannah, Ga.;
Seattle; Watertown, N.Y.; and
El Paso, Texas - were selected
because they’re near major mili-
tary bases and large populations of
veterans from Operation Enduring
Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom
and Operation New Dawn.
The new ad promotes one of
VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki’s top
priorities: providing more veterans
access to VA services, Roberts said.
Only about 8 million of the more
than 23 million veterans around
the country take advantage of VA
benefits or health care, she said.
“This advertising campaign is an
effort to bridge the gap,” Roberts
said. “VA wants service members
and veterans to know we are the
resource. The sooner we meet
their needs, the less likely they
are to encounter the repercussions
commonly associated with their
post-combat experience.”
Former Marine Sergeant Robert
Kugler, an Iraqi war veteran, plays
the lead role in VA’s first television
ad, “What Lies Ahead.”
Kugler was deployed to Iraq
show takes place at 7:30 p.m., but does require a ticket.
Tickets can be picked up at the Information, Tickets, and
Tours office while supplies last.
Providence
when his brother, Mike Doheny, Kris Allen’s hit single, “Live Like We’re Dying”, has departs for
sold more than 1.5 million copies to date. Samples of Kris
a Marine veteran working as a
civilian security contractor for Allen’s music can also be found on his Web site, www.
deployment
the Army Corps of Engineers, krisallenofficial.com
was killed during an improvised Contact the Morale, Welfare and Recreation department
Page 8
explosive device attack southeast at (860) 694-3238 for more information.
of Baghdad. Kugler escorted his
brother’s body home to Broken
Bow, Neb., and then returned to
Iraq to finish his deployment.
After separating from the mili-
INDEX
Local...................................2
tary, Kugler heeded the advice Movies.......................................5
Mike left behind in a letter to Classifieds........................6
be opened only upon his death:
Follow your dreams and do the
things you’ve always wanted.
For Rob, that meant mov-
ing to Los Angeles and pursing
an acting career. He currently
takes improvisation classes at
the Groundlings Theater and
School and has appeared in
several TV ads.
See VA on Page 8
2 • THE DOLPHIN • Thursday, October 21, 2010

Sailor runs Hartford Marathon for his sister hospital in Springfield has
By MC1(AW) Peter D. Blair been changing the world
“The Shriners Foundation has been helping through caring for kids.
GROTON, Conn. – Many Shriners is the only multi-
Sailors in the Navy partici- my sister since she was one ... I wanted to hospital system in the United
pate in sports for recreation States that provides all care
and camaraderie, but USS help raise money for them so other children and services without finan-
Hartford (SSN 768) Sailor,
Sonar Technician 2nd class
can continue to receive the same quality cial obligation to patients or
families.
This newspaper is an authorized publication for personnel of the
Department of Defense and their families. Contents of The Dolphin are not Brian Shelton decided to
become a marathon runner
care she has.” “Shriners is underutilized,
they are simply there to help
necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the
Department of Defense or the Department of the Navy. for personal reasons. Shelton patients,” concluded Shelton.
ran in the Hartford Marathon ST2 Brian Shelton “There are no qualifications
Commanding Officer Naval Submarine Base New London this month to raise money to receive care from them
Capt. Marc W. Denno
Executive Officer Naval Submarine Base New London
for an organization that has “The Shriners Foundation help him get through that other than for them to be
Cmdr. Daniel M. Rossler done so much to help his has been helping my sis- last mile.” able to help you.”
Command Master Chief Naval Submarine Base New London family. ter since she was one,” said As she joined her broth- If you would like to
CMDCM(SS) Ray Powell In February of this year Shelton. “I wanted to help er, Robyn was actually run- donate to Shriners you can
Public Affairs Officer - Christopher Zendan Shelton began training for help through the Combined
Editor - Sheryl Walsh
raise money for them so ning a faster pace than Brian
the marathon, which he ran other children can continue which made him push even Federal Campaign (CFC).
Editorial Assistant - Christina Lough
Public Affairs Staff - MCC(SW/AW)Evelyn Haywood,
for his sister Robyn. to receive the same quality harder. Contact your CFC coordina-
MCC(SW) James O’Donnell, MC1(AW) Peter Blair, Robyn Shelton was born care she has.” “I had slowed down my tor for more information.
MM3 Sean Phillips, ET3 Timothy Walter, SN Joshua Hirschfeld with a birth defect that Shelton finished the mar- pace at the 20 mile point So far Shelton has raised $600
and SN Michael Henderson required the amputation of athon in 4:57:15 and was so when Robyn joined me for the Shriners Foundation;
her left foot, and has worn helped by Robyn, as she I actually had to speed up his goal is to raise $5,000.
• NEWS - The editorial content of this newspaper is prepared, edited a prosthetic leg since she If you would like to help
and provided by the Public Affairs Office of the Naval Submarine Base New joined her brother for the to stay with her,” added
London. News items and photos must be received by 4 p.m. the Friday
was very young. Her drive final mile of the marathon to Shelton. “When I crossed the Petty Officer Shelton direct-
before publication. News ideas and questions can be directed to Christopher to live a life where her dis- motivate him to finish just finish line I was sore, and ly you can do so by going
Zendan at 694-5980. Readers can e-mail us at dolphin@ctcentral.com. Log ability would not slow her as she had motivated him to very emotional. Just finish- to the following Web site,
onto the Web site at www.dolphin-news.com. down motivated her brother start. ing felt great, but crossing http://support.shrinershos-
• ADDRESS - The Dolphin staff can be reached at 694-3514 or write to: to raise money for the foun- pitals.org/site/TR/Events/
The Dolphin, Naval Submarine Base New London PAO, Box 44, Groton, CT
“I didn’t want to slow him the line with Robyn made it a
dation that has helped her do down,” said Robyn. “I was greater accomplishment.” General?pxfid=1521&fr_
06349-5044. All news releases should be sent to this address.
• ADVERTISING - Advertisements are solicited by Shore Line
just that. happy I could be there to For 85 years, the Shriners id=1030&pg=fund.
Newspapers and not the editorial staff or Public Affairs Office. Inquiries
regarding advertisements should be directed to the Display Advertising or
Classified Advertising departments.
Display Advertising, Laura Carpenter at (203) 752-2704, Betsy
Lemkin at (203) 752-2706 and Mercy Mosher at (203) 752-2702
Community Coalition for Children hosts
Classified Advertising (in Conn.) (800) 922-7066
Classified Advertising (outside Conn.) (203) 789-5200

The Dolphin is published every Thursday by Shoreline Newspapers,

resource fair, workshop on drug use at the Garde
40 Sargent Drive, New Haven, CT 06511. Telephone (203) 752-2701. The Community Coalition speak to guests at the event. forchildren.org. from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30
Minimum weekly circulation 10,000. for Children will host a Children 12 and older are Child care registration is p.m., in the Crozier-Williams
resource fair, Oct. 25 at the welcome to the program, as required. Call (860) 701-5150 Center at Connecticut College
John Slater, General Manager
Shore Line Newspapers Garde Arts Center in New well as parents, grandpar- to register for child care. in New London.
The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the Naval London. Doors open at 6 ents, teachers, counselors, On Oct. 26, there will be These events are free. Call
Submarine Base New London Public Affairs Office. p.m. coaches, social service agen- an Intergenerational work- (860) 444-4790 or e-mail in
The Dolphin is published by Shoreline Newspapers, a private firm in no At 7 p.m., Jeff Wolfsberg, cies, and religious groups. shop, “Hey, Did You Ever fo@communitycoalitionforch
way connected with the Department of Defense or the U.S. Navy under exclu- author of CD “Mom, Did Register for the event at Try Drugs? To Use Or Not To ildren.org for more informa-
sive written contract with the Naval Submarine Base New London. You Ever Try Drugs?” will www.communitycoalition- Use – That Is The Question,” tion.
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
Tricare official: Early flu shots key to prevention
Flu tips
non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. tion covers two of the most com-
By Donna Miles mon seasonal influenza strains,
This newspaper is printed on recycled newsprint. Please help conserve our American Forces Press Service A H3N2 and B virus, as well as
resources and recycle this paper when you are finished with it. In addition to getting a flu shot, CDC officials offer additional tips
H1N1.
for avoiding the flu and its spread:

Male singers needed

WASHINGTON – With flu
season already under way, the
top Tricare military health plan
SUBASE wants you to sing
official encourages the system’s
almost 9.7 million beneficiaries to
get their flu shots as early as pos-
sible at a military medical facility
GROTON, Conn. - Male active duty personnel are being or network provider, or - in an
sought for a men’s ensemble for a Christmas-themed perfor- increasingly popular option - at
mance. Rehearsals will take place at Chapel On The Thames any participating pharmacy.
(Base Chapel) at 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 21, Oct. 28, Nov. 4, Nov. Military hospitals and clinics
18 and Dec. 2. These rehearsals will be preparation for a and Tricare network providers are
performance at the Governor’s Mansion, Dec. 4 at 10 a.m. stocked with this year’s flu vac-
For more information, call the Naval Submarine Base New cine, ready to administer them
London Chaplains office at (860) 694-3232. now, Navy Rear Admiral Christine
S. Hunter, deputy director for the
Although the flu typically
doesn’t hit some regions for anoth-
er few months, research shows
it’s better to get the vaccine early,
preferably by mid-October.
Last year, for example, when
manufacturing shortages delayed
flu shots for Tricare beneficiaries
along with the general population,
486,000 Tricare beneficiaries who
hadn’t been immunized devel-
oped flu symptoms before Nov. 1.
“We went back and looked at
our data and realized that if we
had been able to get everyone
immunized in October rather than
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or
sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you
cough or sneeze. You also can use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this
way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Stay home if you are sick until at least 24 hours after you no
longer have a fever - 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 37.8 degrees Celsius
- or signs of a fever without the use of a fever-reducing medicine such
as acetaminophen.
- While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep
from infecting them.
and Tricare network providers, While encouraging people to
they will administer the flu shot at get their flu shot wherever it’s

News in your community

MSMHS now accepting
student applications
Marine Science Magnet
High School of Southeastern
Connecticut (MSMHS) is a
regional 9-12 magnet school
with the mission of prepar-
ing students for higher edu-
cation and marine-related
employment by addressing
marine-related topics and
disciplines with a challeng-
ing, experiential, 21st centu-
ry curriculum that is respon-
sive to the diverse needs and
interests of a broad spectrum
of students.
The school will utilize cut-
ting edge science labs, an
aquaculture production lab,
Project Oceanology facilities,
and a variety of coastal eco-
systems to provide students
with authentic problem-solv-
ing and project-based learn-
ing.
Marine Science Magnet
High School, operated by
LEARN Regional Educational
Service Center, is a member
of the National Consortium
of Specialized Secondary
Schools in Mathematics,
Science and Technology
(NCSSSMST).
The school will open fall
2011 and is now accepting
applications until Dec. 31,
2010. from students enter-
ing their freshmen and soph-
omore year in the fall of
2011.
Applicants for admission
should possess a deep inter-
est in the sciences, love of
maritime activity, and strong
fundamental math skills.
For more information, join
an information session host-
ed at Project Oceanology at
Avery Point in Groton on
October 28, and Nov. 2 and
4, from 6 to 7 p.m.
For more information, visit
the Web site at www.mari-
nesciencemagnet.org or call
Dr. Scott Brown at (860) 434-
4800, Ext. 176.
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
removing the test wells on
Sailfish Road. Flagman will
direct traffic in and out of
Sailfish Road until work is
complete.
November FRA
meeting scheduled
The November Board of
Directors meeting will be held
Nov. 2, at the Branch Home at
6 p.m. All members in good
standing are invited at attend.
Branch 20 will spon-
sor any student in grades
7 through 12 who is inter-
ested in entering the Fleet
Reserve Association’s annual
Americanism-Patriotism Essay
Contest for a chance to win the
top prize of a $10,000 savings
bond. Prizes are also awarded
at the Branch, Regional, and
National level for each grade.
Only winners in each grade
at each level are forwarded for
further consideration at the
next level. The top prize is the
overall winner at the national
level.
Students’ parents do not
have to be members of the
Fleet Reserve Association, but
the student must be sponsored
by a Branch or an FRA mem-
ber.
The deadline for submis-
sions is Dec. 1.
For information on how to
enter, call the Branch Home
at (860) 445-0731 and leave
a message for the Branch
Secretary.
Tricare Management Activity, told
American Forces Press Service.
It’s available to every Tricare
beneficiary over 6 months old,
with no copayment or preautho-
rization required, even for people
enrolled in programs that typically
require one, she said.
“We want you to get the shot,”
Hunter emphasized, calling flu
shots “an essential preventive ser-
vice.” Nine out of 10 healthy peo-
ple who get the shot won’t get the
flu, according to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention.
Unlike last year, when people
needed two vaccines - a conven-
tional flu shot and another devel-
oped specifically for the H1N1
virus - one shot will suffice this
year, Hunter noted. Its formula-
Client confidentiality: Core to the NMCRS commitment
By Lisa Aszklar
NMCRS Staff Writer
GROTON, Conn. - The goal
of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief
Society (NMCRS) is simple: to
improve the lives of Sailors,
Marines and families through
both financial management
education and need-based assis-
tance. To meet that goal, the
Society has established a list
of guiding principles that have
been fundamental to a successful
track record of assisting Sailors,
Marines, and their families.
First, the Society promises to
provide the same high caliber
service our clients have come
to expect since we opened our
doors 106 years ago.
Second, the Society recognizes
that members of today’s Armed
Forces face challenges that differ
from the needs of personnel who
served decades ago. As an orga-
nization, we are committed to
evolving with today’s military so
that there is never a gap between
the needs of our clients and the
types of service we provide.
Third, recognizing that per-
sonal financial health is criti-
cally important to not only mili-
tary readiness but also the suc-
cess of the military family, the
Society has pledged to provide
the means for clients to develop
later in the year, we would have
prevented almost 500,000 people
from getting sick,” Hunter said.
Not all required a doctor’s care
and most didn’t experience any
serious complications, she said,
but almost all could have avoided
the flu if the vaccine had been
available sooner.
“This year, there is no delay
in the distribution of the shots,”
Hunter said. “You can get it now.
It’s available in military hospitals
and clinics and through Tricare
now. So we would like to encour-
age people to get it now.”
To make that as convenient as
possible, Tricare has entered into
agreements with about 50,000
retail pharmacies nationwide.
Like military hospitals and clinics
their own problem-solving strat-
egies through financial counsel-
ing and educational programs
such as Budget for Baby.
Finally, Navy-Marine Corps
Relief Society has promised that
our services and programs will
be administered by compassion-
ate, trained staff who are com-
mitted to providing, on a consis-
tent basis, a workable solution
to the service member’s needs.
The Society recognizes that
every client is a valuable mem-
ber of our military family and
possesses a number of important
rights. These include the right
to meet with a Society repre-
sentative in a non-judgmental
atmosphere; a guarantee that
they will be treated in a man-
ner that maintains dignity and
self-respect; and an expectation
that the nature of the meet-
ing between the client and the
Society will remain confiden-
tial, as set forth in the Society’s
written policy. This last item is
crucial in light of the ease with
which personal data may be
breached, electronically or oth-
erwise, in today’s world.
Navy-Marine Corps Relief
Society’s confidentiality policy is
straightforward: the client’s per-
sonal information will remain
confidential within the Society,
and members of the Society staff
are prohibited from discussing
that information, except on a
no cost to Tricare beneficiaries.
Many of the retail pharmacies
offer flu shots at night and on
weekends, and most don’t require
appointments.
Tricare introduced the phar-
macy option during last year’s flu
season, and Hunter said she hopes
more people will take advantage
of it this year as they learn about
the program.
“People really value conve-
nience in their health care,” she
said. “This is part of a campaign
to bring preventive care as close
to where people live and work as
possible.”
The Tricare Web site lists par-
ticipating pharmacies, with a loca-
tor button identifying the closest
one, based on the beneficiary’s
ZIP code.
“need to know” basis.
This does not apply if, for
instance, the service member
has engaged in criminal acts,
misconduct, or behavior affect-
ing discipline or the security of
the command. In these cases,
the Society does not require the
service member’s permission to
inform the command of these
occurrences.
Because of the personal nature
of the information discussed
between the NMCRS counselor
and the client, there is normally
no requirement that a command
representative - someone in a
position of authority over the
client - accompany the service
member. If the client requests
that a command representative
join the meeting, the Society
caseworker would make certain
that the client understands that
this is their right, not an NMCRS
requirement.
Otherwise, Navy-Marine
Corps Relief Society will engage
the command only if a case
is unusual in nature and only
with verbal or written permis-
sion of the service member. In
these cases, the command repre-
sentative will only be provided
information that relates directly
to this request for assistance.
In other words, the caseworker
would not discuss previous his-
tory that’s not relevant to the
current request.
most convenient, Hunter empha-
sized that some Tricare beneficia-
ries should consult their medical
provider first. These include peo-
ple with a serious chronic illness,
young children who have never
had a flu shot and other at-risk
groups.
Retail pharmacies will adminis-
ter flu shots to active-duty military
members and can provide docu-
mentation for their official shot
records.
However, Hunter recognized
that some servicemembers may
be required to get their shots
along with the rest of the mem-
bers of their units. That way,
she explained, the information is
recorded immediately in unit shot
records, with no delay.
If the NMCRS counselor deter-
mines that it is necessary to
involve the command but the
service member objects, then the
Society will do its best to identify
other organizations that may be
better able to render assistance.
Clients are always welcome to
bring a spouse when they meet
with the NMCRS staff, but only in
certain cases would a spouse be
required to attend. Furthermore,
if the spouse requests informa-
tion on the service member’s
past dealings with the Society,
that request would be denied,
unless the service member
authorizes the Society to divulge
that information.
Navy-Marine Corps Relief
Society’s privacy policy is
designed to uphold the self-
respect and dignity of the mili-
tary members whom we serve.
We take seriously our commit-
ment to act as responsible stew-
ards of the personal financial
information collected in any
meetings between the service
member and our staff.
This is one more way we
have earned the respect and
trust of Sailors and Marines
around the world, one service
member at a time, and why
they should always consider
the Society their first resource
when facing financial difficul-
ties.
 Thursday, October 21, 2010 • THE DOLPHIN • 3

USS New Mexico forges ahead with new commanding officer

of command ceremony Oct. 15
By MC1 Virginia Schaefer at Naval Submarine Base New
Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs London’s Shepherd of the Sea
Chapel.
GROTON, Conn. – USS New Rear Admiral Michael
Mexico (SSN 779) held a change McLaughlin, Commander
Photo by MC1 Virginia K. Schaefer
GROTON, Conn. - Commander Mark Prokopius turns over the commanding officer’s cell
phone to his relief, Cmdr. George Perez, during the USS New Mexico change of com-
mand ceremony held at the Shepherd of the Sea Chapel, Oct. 15. During the ceremony,
Perez relieved Prokopius, who will next serve as the Deputy for Training at Submarine
Squadron Six.
Submarine Group 2, was the character cannot be judged by Virginia-class submarine to be from the ground up. But the
guest speaker for the ceremo- his successes, but how he deals fully-certified in all tactical war most difficult challenges and
ny in which Commander Mark with adversity. Given what we fighting areas during Weapons most rewarding accomplish-
Prokopius turned over com- have been through the past two System Acceptance Testing. ments remain ahead. As we
mand to Cmdr. George Perez. years…you responded to every Prokopius will next serve move through this availability,
McLaughlin commented challenge and fought through to as the Deputy for Training at we will transition New Mexico
on Prokopius’ success during the end. I am proud to call each Submarine Squadron Six. from the final chapter of new
his tenure as New Mexico’s of you shipmates.” Perez congratulated the crew construction to her first as an
Commanding Officer. Prokopius received the of New Mexico for overcoming operational warship of the fleet
“Mark has handled well the meritorious service medal. the many challenges faced with and the start of a history that will
challenge of taking a subma- According to the award’s cita- commissioning a new ship. span the next three decades. I
rine from new construction to tion, Prokopius kept New “You have endeavored to look forward to facing the times
a certified war-fighting machine Mexico and her crew on the build the world’s most techno- ahead with each and every one
in the United States’ arsenal. leading edge, becoming the first logically-advanced submarine of you,” said Perez.
And in the process, he forged
a cohesive fighting team,” said
McLaughlin.
During his speech, Prokopius,
a native of Seven Hills, Ohio
who received his commission
through the Naval Reserve
Officer Training Corps (ROTC)
at the University of Notre Dame,
took the opportunity to thank
the people who influenced him
during his career as well as
those who served with him the
last few years.
“A commanding officer’s suc-
cess is entirely dependent on
his command team, and I have
been extremely fortunate in that
area.” He concluded, “I leave
you [the crew and family of USS
New Mexico] with this. A man’s
 4 • THE DOLPHIN • Thursday, October 21, 2010

Celebrating 235 years

MASHANTUCKET, Conn. - Above, a table set for the Missing Man is placed next to the
Celebrity Ballroom stage during the 235th Navy Birthday Ball, Oct. 15.

MASHANTUCKET, Conn. – Left, the oldest Sailor in the audience, retired Lieutenant
Ernie Plantz (left), born April 3, 1920, and the youngest Sailor, Hospitalman Justin Hayes
(right), born March 21, 1990, laugh after participating in a cake cutting ceremony during
the 235th Navy Birthday Ball, held at MGM Grand Foxwoods Resort, Oct. 15.

Photos by SN Michael Henderson

MASHANTUCKET, Conn. – Above, Kassondra Lee Brokaw sings the National Anthem while the
Naval Submarine Base New London Submarine School Silver Dolphins provide colors for the
event, Oct. 15.

MASHANTUCKET, Conn. – Left, Sailors and guests of the 235th Navy Birthday Ball dance in the
Celebrity Ballroom at MGM Grand Foxwoods Resort, Oct. 15.

MASHANTUCKET, Conn. – Above, Chief Navy Career Councilor Daniel Haase (left) holds the microphone while retired
Lieutenant Ernie Plantz (right) states his birthday for the audience (April 3, 1920). The youngest and oldest Sailor in
the room took part in the traditional cake cutting ceremony, during the 235th Navy Birthday Ball, Oct. 15.

MASHANTUCKET, Conn. – Right, (Left to right) Rear Admiral Michael McLaughlin, Commander Submarine Group 2
Commanding Officer, Bob Ross, Executive Director, Office of Military Affairs, State of Connecticut, Command Master
Chief Wesley Koshoffer, DEVRON 12, Captain Marc Denno, Commanding Officer Naval Submarine Base New London, and
Master Chief Electronics Technician Jon Smedley toast to the audience during the 235th Navy Birthday Ball, Oct. 15.

Happy Birthday, Navy On Oct. 15, Naval Submarine hand in. The retaking of the
By SN Michael Henderson Base New London (SUBASE), German owned MV Magellan
the world’s “First and Finest” from Somali pirates, providing
MASHANTUCKET, Conn. – celebrated the occasion in the support to Haiti after the dev-
It’s about that time of the year Celebrity Ballroom of MGM astating earthquake, sending
again. Some people stop count- Grand at Foxwoods Resort. skimmers to help control the
ing after their 30s, but when the To kick off the birthday ball, Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill,
Navy sees more than 235 years Captain Marc Denno, SUBASE and a joint exercise with South
running, you can’t help but to Commanding Officer, opened Korea after one of their ships
celebrate. All around the globe, with a brief history of the were sunk, are a few Naval
naval installations celebrate the Navy, SUBASE itself, and also accomplishments of the past
birthday of the United States touched on some of the major year.
Navy, Oct. 13, 1775. events that the Navy had a “And what I listed are just the
unclassified accomplishments,”
said Denno during his speech.
Within the Celebrity Ballroom,
more than 500 guests enjoyed
the night’s events. Master
Chief Electronics Technician
Jon Smedley welcomed guests
and kept the show moving as
the Master of Ceremonies. The
National Anthem was sung by
Kassondra Lee Brokaw while
SUBASE’s Submarine School
Silver Dolphins provided the
opening colors. The Silver
Dolphins went on to display
“precision performance” that
entertained guests with sharp
moves and acrobatic rifle toss-
ing. An invocation, Missing Man
MASHANTUCKET, Conn. – Members of the Naval Submarine Base New London ceremony, and cake cutting were
Submarine School Silver Dolphins pose during a precision demonstration in the among the night’s other events.
Celebrity Ballroom, Oct. 15. The guest speaker for the
event was Bob Ross, Executive
Director, Office of Military
Affairs, State of Connecticut.
Ross spoke of his time in office,
and how he helped shape the
base’s future, fitting the year’s
theme: “Remember our past to
mold our future”, but first, he
opened with a joke.
“If a man is hungry and you
give him a fish, he will feed
himself for an entire day,” said
Ross, “if you give the man a
boat, he will drink beer for the
rest of his life.”
After dinner, the crowd was
scoured to find the youngest
Sailor and oldest Sailor for the
traditional cake cutting cer-
emony. Hospitalman Justin
Hayes, born March 21, 1990,
the youngest Sailor, and retired
Lieutenant and former WWII
Prisoner of War Ernie Plantz,
born April 3, 1920, the oldest
Sailor, cut the massive vanilla
frosted cake the way a real
Sailor would, with a perfectly
polished Navy Cutlass.
A job well done goes out to
the individuals who coordinat-
ed the grand occasion, and to MASHANTUCKET, Conn. – Rear Admiral Michael McLaughlin (left),
the Sailors, Fleet, and families Commander Submarine Group 2 Commanding Officer, and Legalman 2nd
that ensure the future of Navy Class Ru Li enjoy the festivities at the 235th Navy Birthday Ball, at MGM
birthdays to come. Grand Foxwoods Resort, Oct. 15.
 Thursday, October 21, 2010 • THE DOLPHIN • 5

Man on the Street: By ET3 Timothy Walter and MM3 Sean Phillips

What do you like most about Fall? SN Ryan Wooley:

“I’m from the South. In Louisiana, all
we have are pine and oak trees. We don’t
Lt.Cmdr. Jeanne Jimenez: have all these beautiful colors on the trees.
“The initiation of the season reminds us I drove around the other day just to see
about family both here and at home.” them all.”

CSSC James Bryant: EM3 Brendan Lane:

“The camaraderie and small town feel. More “It happens every two years in the fall
people come together in the fall because you – Elections.”
have more meals. The food does get better… I
can do me a good soup.”

YouTube phenomenon ‘A Macabre Macbeth’

‘Danielle Ate The Sandwich’ in Mark Twain House’s
to make her New London debut spooky basement
PC GAME REVIEW
“Double, double toil and trouble; fire burn
YouTube musical phenomenon “Danielle Ate the Sandwich” will leave her and cauldron bubble!” With these words, three
webcam behind as she plays live at the Garde Arts Center’s Oasis Room, Nov. witches foretell a dark fate for the Scottish sol-

8 at 7:30 p.m. The performance is presented in association with Kitchings
Productions.
Singing and songwriting since 2006, the 23-year-old ukulele player - real
name Danielle Anderson - got her start doing the open mic rounds while she
attended Colorado State University. After gaining national attention from her
videos on YouTube in 2009, Anderson started pursuing music as a full-time
career and began touring nationally, playing for her loyal group of more than
25,000 online supporters.
Anderson’s third album, and first professional recording, “Two Bedroom
Apartment,” was released in 2010. Collaborating with other musicians,
Anderson takes her music to a new level with instrumentations that create the
perfect ambiance for her storytelling. “Two Bedroom Apartment” songs include
“We are Hot Dogs,” “Where the Good Ones Go” and “Fool.”
Tickets are $10 and are available at the Garde Box Office, 325 State St. in New
London. The Garde Box Office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to
4 p.m., and two hours prior to the curtain on performance days. Tickets may
be purchased by phone during regular box office hour at (860) 444-7373, Ext.
1, or online at www.gardearts.org.
MWR Travel Show welcomes military retirees
GROTON, Conn. – Retired Senior Chief Dispensary Clerk Ambrose Dzanis (left) speaks with retired Chief Electronics Technician Richard Leuck (right) from
the Connecticut Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) during the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Travel Show at Morton’s Hall Gymnasium, Oct. 16. In
addition to providing information on the upcoming MWR trips and events, the event served as a complement to that morning’s Military Retiree Seminar at
Dealey Center, where speakers such as Naval Submarine Base New London (SUBASE) Commanding Officer, Captain Marc Denno and Commissioner Linda
S. Schwartz from Connecticut State Veteran’s Affairs provided updates on the state of SUBASE and on the changes in government programs for retirees.
Several of the speakers from the seminar manned tables at the MWR Travel Show to provide further assistance on the topics they discussed. Over 25 dif-
ferent organizations were present at the Travel show with information on topics such as Tricare, military funeral honors, and the Navy Marine Corps Relief
Society Visiting Nurse Service, among others.
dier whose designs on the throne of Scotland
will result in a bloody undoing for Macbeth and
his infamous wife. Capital Classics, a 20-year
old theatrical troupe known for their popular
outdoor Shakespeare Festival, have decided
to revisit this cursed classic in an all-new
“reader’s theatre” adaptation of “A Macabre
Macbeth” that will be performed in a decidedly
spooky location - the basement of the Mark
Twain House - for three performances only:
Oct. 28 at 8 p.m., Oct. 29 at 10:30 p.m., and
Oct. 30 at 10:30 p.m.
Tickets are $15. Due to the intimate size of the
basement of the Twain House, seating is strictly
limited. Reservations are strongly recommend-
ed. To order tickets, call (860) 280-3130.
Photo by ET3 Timothy Walter
Lost Planet 2
By SN Michael Henderson
GROTON, Conn. - After making its way to PC Oct. 15, Lost
Planet 2 was supposed to be everything I had hoped for in a
game, but it disappoints on many fronts. To elaborate, Lost Planet
2 is the twisted love-child of Gears of War and Monster Hunter:
maintaining third person shooter gameplay, a clever plot line with
in-game cutscenes, massive and interesting enemies, and a vari-
ety of weapons, vehicles, and customization options that would
whet any completionist’s appetite. HOWEVER. Glaring bugs and
general lack-of-thinkingness make the game a love-hate-hate-
love…okay-I-think-we-should-just-be-friends relationship.
The newest addition to Capcom’s third-person shooter series,
Lost Planet 2, is set 10 years after the first game in world of EDN
III. The game provides a number of single-player, cooperative,
and multiplayer options. The world of EDN III easily captivates,
and is definitely worth the money (to me) for the aural and
visual experience alone, despite its flaws.
Players run through the game fending off enemies from numer-
ous warring factions, as well as the planet’s native residents, the
monstrous Akrid, in an effort to collect the vital substance that
keeps the world turning, Thermal Energy.
Whether playing alone with AI controlled teammates, or online
with your buddies, up to four players can play through the cam-
paign missions together. Playing through campaigns earns points
to spend on unlocking new titles, emotes, clothing, guns, and abili-
ties. Online, up to 16 players can join up to play against each other
in a number of different ways (teamed or free for all deathmatches,
single eliminations, objective oriented control missions, etc).
There are three major categories (yes, categories) of problems
inherit in Lost Planet 2 – Motion, Matchmaking, and Monotony.
I sincerely hope that Capcom will make an effort to patch the
game’s flaws, buuuuuut how often does that happen, really.
Angry face, engage!
Motion: Aiming just does, not, work. If you’re trying to bead
in on an opponent’s face, and move your mouse to the left, it’s
likely that the crosshair will happily disobey your command
unless you over exaggerate that movement, and even then, it’s
clunky and unresponsive. The problem is more than likely due to
the built in aim assist that really isn’t required for PC gamers.
Matchmaking: Putting games together is difficult, given the
game’s inability to let players “drop-in” and out of play. It’s not
uncommon to sit in a lobby for the better part of 30 minutes,
waiting for the in-game players to complete or fail their current
mission. The worst part is that there isn’t anything to ‘do’ while
you sit there, just twiddle your thumbs, or help support obesity by
donating your time to the creation of hot pockets. In multiplayer
lobbies, waiting for 16 players to join is a rare sight. Rare as in,
I’ve never seen it happen. And when you ‘do’ end up playing a
game, it will last for a good 5 or 10 minutes at the most before
kicking everyone out of the lobby and forcing you to look for
another game.
Monotony: After the carrot on the stick aspect of unlocking
new weapons, abilities, clothing and titles wears thin, you’ll
most likely put the game down and only pick it up again for LAN
parties. The campaign encounters themselves only have a cer-
tain amount of replayability, and a good deal of poorly scripted
missions will leave you with a headache.
TLDR
Lost Planet 2 could have been something really amaz-
ing, given the gorgeous details, interesting cooperative

Now showing at ‘ShoreGrass’ performs at campaigns, and entertaining multiplayer, but often takes
a back seat to painfully obvious design flaws. Gamers will
spend as much time sitting in lobbies as actually playing

Dealey Center Theater North Haven church the game, which is only fun if you are running Call of
Duty: Modern Warfare 2 in the background.
“ShoreGrass,” a blue-
Oct. 22 Kris Allen, American Idol Free Concert
6:30 p.m. doors open show is at 7:30 p.m.
grass band from the
Connecticut shoreline
RATING: 6.5/10
Oct. 23 5:00 p.m. The American comprised of Frank and
Big guns, big bugs… and more big bugs.
7:00 p.m. Resident Evil: Afterlife Barbara Shaw (banjo
Oct. 24 5:00 p.m. Resident Evil: Afterlife and guitar) and various [Want to see a game reviewed? Have some smack
Oct. 25 6:00 p.m. The American musicians on mando- talking to do? E-mail PAOSUBASENLON@navy.mil, and
Oct. 26 6:00 p.m. Resident Evil: Afterlife lin, bass, fiddle, and address it to Sailor’s Game Locker (or SGL).]
Oct. 27 6:00 p.m. The American Dobro, will perform
Oct. 28 6:00 p.m. Resident Evil: Afterlife at the North Haven
The American Cast: George Clooney, Thekla Reuten,
Rated: R, Story Type: Romance, Thriller and Adaptation,
Congregational Church
in North Haven, Oct.
30 at 7 p.m., with a
Ghouls and Ghosts at
Bill Memorial Library
Runtime: 95 min. receotion to follow.
Resident Evil: Afterlife Cast: Milla Jovovich, Ali Larter, The group has per-
Rated: R, Story Type: Action/Adventure, Suspense/Horror, formed locally as well
Thriller and Sequel, Runtime: 96 min. as around the Northeast since 1996. Their music is a mix of tradi- Visit the Haunted Library, Oct. 30 from 7 to 9 p.m., at
tional bluegrass, early country, gospel, and folk songs, as well as
Next Week: original pieces reflecting their roots in contemporary music. the Bill Memorial Library in the City of Groton. Admission
Tickets are $100, $5 for students, children ages 12 and under will be $5 for adults, $3 for children under 12 and $1 if
Alpha and Omega, you are brave enough to walk through a second time.
admitted free. There will be a Ham Dinner at 5:30 p.m. prior to the
and Devil concert. For reservations, call the church office at (203) 239-5691. Enter through the front door and exit through the grave-
Dinner tickets are $10 with reservations, $14 at the door. yard ... and prepare to be scared. This event is not suitable
For more information visit www.northhavenucc.org. for young children under the age of 8.
6 • THE DOLPHIN • Thursday, October 21, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010 • THE DOLPHIN • 7
8 • THE DOLPHIN • Thursday, October 21, 2010
Providence leaves for deployment VA ...
Continued from page 1
In his VA ad debut, Kugler
urges combat veterans transi-
tioning back to civilian life to
take advantage of the benefits
and services they’ve earned.
“Welcome home!” he says
in the ad. “You’ve served your
country. Now that you’ve com-
pleted your service, you’ve got
lots of opportunities for your
future.
“But health comes first,” he
continues. “Sign up for health
care at your nearest VA.”
“Thinking about a job, or
school?” he asks. “The GI Bill
can help pay for college and
Photo by MC1 Virginia K. Schaefer
GROTON, Conn. - Crew members from the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Providence (SSN 719) wave goodbye to family members while
transiting the Thames River. The submarine departed Naval Submarine Base New London starting a scheduled deployment, Oct. 8.
VA’s job assistance can prepare
you for a career.
“Want to buy a house?” he
questions. “See if you quali-
fy for a zero-down VA home
loan.
“It’s your VA,” he concludes.
“Take advantage of your ben-
efits.”
The ad directs viewers to the
“My VA” Web site to sign up
for benefits.
The “What Lies Ahead”
ad is slated to run through
November, Roberts said, fol-
lowed by a second ad to run
through the year’s end.