Shuttles from SUBASE to T.F. Green Airport, call ITT for information at 694-3238!

Vol. 49, No. 27 Serving the Military Community in Southeastern Connecticut since 1918 Thursday, December 16, 2010

Remembering Pearl Harbor

By SN Michael Henderson

GROTON, Conn. – The morn-

ing of Dec. 7, 1941 was not a
normal Sunday for the ser-
vicemen of the United States

New Haven, CT 06511

military stationed in Hawaii.

40 Sargent Drive
At 7:53 a.m., 353 aircraft
launched by the Imperial
Japanese Navy rained ter-
ror upon the U.S. naval base
at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and
surrounding airfields.
Corresponding with the
attack on Pearl Harbor, 69
years later, service members
on Naval Submarine Base
New London (SUBASE) and
the surrounding areas con-
ducted ceremonies, Dec. 7,
2010, to remember the lives
lost during that fateful day.
The Submarine Veterans
Groton chapter (SUBVETS)
conducted a remembrance
ceremony and gun salute,
initiated at 12:53 p.m., to
coincide with the moment
the attacks began in Hawaii.
SUBASE’s Submarine Force
Library and Museum also held
a remembrance ceremony. In
the museum’s halls, Chief
Culinary Specialist Patrick
Fritz, announced the indi-
vidual locations bombarded

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

NEWSPAPERS
by the Japanese forces. In the Photo by SN Joshua Hirschfeld

SHORE LINE

PRSRT/STD
theater, a remembrance video GROTON, Conn. – Sailors and civilians at the Naval Submarine Base New London Submarine Force Library and Museum bow their heads to remember the fallen heroes
was also played throughout as Chief Culinary Specialist Patrick Fritz announces the different locations attacked during the raid on Pearl Harbor in 1941. At the Dec. 7 event a toll of the bell was
the day. struck twice to honor lost Sailors and civilians by Electronics Technician 2nd Class Brian Tewart.

INSIDE

Photo by MC3 Timothy E. Walter

High school
GROTON, Conn. - Paul Wallen, students build
former Petty Officer 2nd Class
Printer who served in World War
a sub
II, fires a gun salute in remem-
berance of the attack on Pearl
Page 3
Harbor at the SUBVETS WWII
Memorial East, Dec. 7. A series
of seven gun salutes, each one
minute apart, were fired by
three survivors of World War II
as a traditional sign of mourning
for those lost in the attack 69
years ago.

A look back
at 2010
Page 4

Sailors get
upgraded for
Holiday Standdown

The smoking
Photo by MC3 Timothy Walter lamp goes out
on subs in 15
days. Are you
GROTON, Conn. – In preparation for the ready?
Holiday Standdown period, Sailors watch
a Powerpoint presentation at Naval
Submarine Base New London’s Dealey
Center, Dec. 8. Several videos were
shown in addition to personal stories
INDEX
from local police departments during the Local...................................2
all hands events to warn Sailors about Classifieds........................8
the dangers that are present, particu-
larly over the holiday season, including
alcohol abuse, Christmas tree fires, and
driving hazards.
2 • THE DOLPHIN • Thursday, December 16, 2010

NSSC Sailor chosen Serviceperson of the Month for December

By Lena Blanch

GROTON, Conn. – Logistic

Specialist 2nd Class Giovanni
Perez of Naval Submarine
Support Center (NSSC) is
Serviceperson of the Month for
December 2010. The Ledyard
This newspaper is an authorized publication for personnel of the Lions Club honored Perez,
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 Dec. 2, during a dinner at the
Department of Defense or the Department of the Navy. Gales Ferry Firehouse.
The Service Person of the
Commanding Officer Naval Submarine Base New London Month Program recogniz-
Capt. Marc W. Denno es outstanding active duty
Executive Officer Naval Submarine Base New London enlisted personnel stationed
Cmdr. Daniel M. Rossler
Command Master Chief Naval Submarine Base New London
in the Groton-New London
CMDCM(SS) Ray Powell area. Coordinated by the
Public Affairs Officer - Christopher Zendan Eastern Connecticut Chamber
Editor - Sheryl Walsh of Commerce and area active
Editorial Assistant - Christina Lough duty military units, the pro-
Public Affairs Staff - MCC(SW) James O’Donnell, gram is actively supported by
MC1(AW) Peter Blair, MM3 Sean Phillips, MC3 Timothy Walter,
local service clubs and civic
SN Joshua Hirschfeld and SN Michael Henderson
organizations. The military
• NEWS - The editorial content of this newspaper is prepared, edited and the local civic organi-
and provided by the Public Affairs Office of the Naval Submarine Base New zations host the selectee at
London. News items and photos must be received by 4 p.m. the Friday monthly luncheons and din-
before publication. News ideas and questions can be directed to Christopher ners throughout the area.
Zendan at 694-5980. Readers can e-mail us at dolphin@ctcentral.com. Log Since arriving at Naval
onto the Web site at www.dolphin-news.com. Photo by Lena Blanch
• ADDRESS - The Dolphin staff can be reached at 694-3514 or write to:
Submarine Support Center
The Dolphin, Naval Submarine Base New London PAO, Box 44, Groton, CT (NSSC), New London, Petty GROTON, Conn - Pictured are (from the left) Denny Hicks, Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, Logistic Specialist
06349-5044. All news releases should be sent to this address. Officer Perez “hit the deck 2nd Class Giovanni Perez, Service Person of the Month for December, and Laura Rowe, President of the Ledyard Lions
• ADVERTISING - Advertisements are solicited by Shore Line plates running” and is a Club.
Newspapers and not the editorial staff or Public Affairs Office. Inquiries model Sailor, leader and men-
regarding advertisements should be directed to the Display Advertising or tor for all to emulate, said As a building manager, he him in front of his peers with In addition, he attends college
Classified Advertising departments.
CMDCM David Collins, NSSC’s performs at a first class petty a letter of commendation from in his spare time and is only
Display Advertising, Laura Carpenter at (203) 752-2704, Betsy officer level, applying his orga- the Commanding Officer. two credits away from earning
Lemkin at (203) 752-2706 and Mercy Mosher at (203) 752-2702 Command Master Chief. His
dedication is unmatched as nizational skills and ability to As a credit card holder, he his Bachelor’s Degree, said
Classified Advertising (in Conn.) (800) 922-7066
Classified Advertising (outside Conn.) (203) 789-5200 evidenced by the time he com- fix problems, said Collins. He supports NSSC staff, three Collins.
mits to supporting the supply provided emergent underway squadrons, 15 submarines Upon receiving his award
The Dolphin is published every Thursday by Shoreline Newspapers, readiness of 15 home port- support as the Leading Logistic and Submarine Group TWO. and gift certificates from
40 Sargent Drive, New Haven, CT 06511. Telephone (203) 752-2701. ed submarines. His non-stop Specialist, a position normally He also processes and tracks local organizations Perez
Minimum weekly circulation 10,000. filled by a first class or Chief the destruction of material, thanked the Rotary Club and
drive, professionalism and
personal integrity have repeat- Petty Officer for both USS serves as the Financial Officer the Chamber of Commerce of
John Slater, General Manager
Shore Line Newspapers edly earned him the high- Virginia (SSN 774) and USS and is the Cardinal Health Eastern Connecticut for their
The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the Naval est praise by the Chain of Miami (SSN 755). Collins said Waterfront Petty Officer. support and the support of all
Submarine Base New London Public Affairs Office. Command remarked Collins. USS Virginia’s command was As Duty Chief Petty Officer, veterans. “It’s truly an honor
The Dolphin is published by Shoreline Newspapers, a private firm in no Collins also spoke about so impressed with his level he coordinates all aspects to receive this recognition,”
way connected with the Department of Defense or the U.S. Navy under exclu- of knowledge and outstanding of waterfront operations at said Perez.
sive written contract with the Naval Submarine Base New London.
Perez’s duties as a command
building manager for NSSC. support that they recognized Submarine Base New London.
The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts of
supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense

Sailors donate to local animal shelter

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.

This newspaper is printed on recycled newsprint. Please help conserve our

resources and recycle this paper when you are finished with it.

Naval Branch Health Clinic

announces holiday hours
By Kathy MacKnight
NHCNE Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. - During the Christmas week and New Year’s

week, Naval Branch Health Clinic (NBHC) Groton will be open
Monday through Thursday, Dec. 20 through 23 and Dec. 27
through 30 from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily. If urgent care is needed
over the holidays, call the appointment line at (888) 628-9633 to
speak to a provider. Alternatively, several local Urgent Care Clinics
are open in the area.

News in your community

NEX announces
holiday hours
The Naval Submarine Base
New London Navy Exchange
(NEX) has announced its holi-
day hours. The NEX will be
open Dec. 13 through 17 from
9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Dec. 18 from
8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Dec. 19 from 9
a.m. to 7 p.m.; Dec. 20 through
23 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Dec.
24 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Dec.
26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Dec.
27 through 30 from 9 a.m. to 8
p.m.; Dec. 31 from 10 a.m. to
4 p.m. and Jan. 1 from 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m.
Sign up for
youth basketball
Dolphin Sports and Recreation
is currently accepting registra-
tion for this season’s youth bas-
ketball program. Boys and girls,
ages 2 – 15, are welcome to join.
Registration is $55 per child for
military, which includes uni-
form and end of season award.
Check out their Web site, www.
dolphinsportsandrec.org. You
can register on-line. For more
information, call Dawn at (860)
235-0666. Photo by SN Michael Henderson
USS Iwo Jima reunion GROTON, Conn. – Fleet Reserve Association Permittee Paul “Boats” Serabian (right), Senior Chief Boatswain’s Mate Stu Cravens (left), and Naval Submarine Base
New London Port Ops Piermaster division Sailors display the estimated $500 in donations raised for Groton Animal Control, Dec. 6. The Sailors collected pounds
is scheduled for 2011 of food, medical supplies, kitty litter and cash for the local shelter. Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Apprentice Kimguaden Valenciano coordinated the fund drive.
The USS Iwo Jima (LPH2/
LHD7) shipmates reunion has
been scheduled for June 1 through
5, 2011, at the Marriott City Center
Safety initiative starts at SUBASE Public Works Department
Hotel in Newport News, Va. Those
interested should contact Robert G. By MC3 Timothy Walter
McAnally at (757) 723-0317 or via
e-mail at yujack@megalink.net. GROTON, Conn. – Members
All ship’s company and embarked of the Public Works Department
Navy and Marine Corps personnel (PWD) took another step
are invited to attend. to ensure Naval Submarine
Base New London (SUBASE)

SUBVETS announce employee safety with the sign-

ing of a notice that provides
a framework for future safety
recommendations and correc-

events for January 2011

U.S. Submarine Veterans Inc. (SUBVETS) Groton Base will
tions.
Public Works
Commander Frank Mulcahy
Officer

co-signed the notice with

host their monthly Steak N’ Eggs Breakfast, Jan. 2 from 10 Timothy Daly, Chairman for
a.m. to noon for members and their guests. Regular brunches the Employee Driven Safety
for members and their guests are served on the remaining Committee at the SUBASE
Sundays of the month. Powerplant, Nov. 30.
SUBVETS will hold their monthly meeting, Jan. 3 at their The notice stresses PWD’s
clubhouse, located at 40 School Street in Groton, at 6:30 p.m. commitment to employee
All members are encouraged to attend. Persons interested in safety and outlines the func-
joining SUBVETS are also welcome to attend. tion of the newly-established
On Jan. 11, SUBVETS WWII will have their monthly meeting Employee Driven Safety
and lunch at 11:30 a.m. at the clubhouse. Committee comprised of seven
SUBVETS’ Steak Dinner is scheduled for Jan. 14 from 6 to members from each of the Photo by MC3 Timothy Walter
8:30 p.m. Dinner will consist of steak with potato, vegetables sub-divisions of the PWD.
and salad bar served at the clubhouse. All members and their GROTON, Conn. – Public Works Officer Commander Frank Mulcahy (left) signs a notice to employees with Timothy Daly
“It’s not just a piece of (right), Chairman for the newly-established Employee Driven Safety Committee at the SUBASE Powerplant, Nov. 30. The
guests are invited to attend. Make your reservations prior to paper,” said Mulcahy. “In real-
Jan. 12. Advance payment is required. notice outlines the operation and makeup of the Employee Driven Safety Committee. The committee will act as a forum for
On Jan. 18, the Holland Club will have their monthly lun- employee suggestions and questions to improve workplace safety in the Public Works Department.
See Safety on Page 3
cheon at 11:30 a.m. at the clubhouse.
U.S. Submarine Veterans Inc. is a national organization
of more than 12,000 members. Groton Base alone has more
than 2,359 current members for 2011. The only requirement
Today’s edition of The Dolphin is the final issue for 2010. The
for membership is to be designated qualified in submarines.
Membership is open to active duty officers and enlisted per-
sonnel as well as all retired or non-career submariners.
next issue will be on newsstands Jan. 6, 2011. The staff would
For directions, costs or additional information about SUBVETS
Groton or any of the above events, call SUBVETS Groton Base
at (860) 445-5262.
like to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season.
 Thursday, December 16, 2010 • THE DOLPHIN • 3

Group 2 Commander visits high school submarine team, views their submersible
By MC1 Virginia Schaefer
Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs
OLD SAYBROOK, Conn.
- Rear Admiral Michael
McLaughlin, Commander,
Submarine Group 2, visited Old
Saybrook High School, Dec. 10
to view their submarine team’s
submersible vessel that will com-
pete in the 11th International
Submarine Races in 2011.
The school invited the admiral
to see their partially-constructed
submersible after the submarine
team toured a Virginia-class sub-
marine in May while they were
still in the planning stages.
“[They] have been working
on this [project] for two years.
So it’s amazing to see it come to
this point and have them recog-
nized by someone like the admi-
ral,” said Tara Winch, Associate
Principal of the high school. “I
think it’s very exciting, and it
gives the project a lot of validity
to know that other people are
watching.”
Shannon Jorgensen, captain of
the submarine crew, also shared
in the excitement.
“We’re really honored that
he’s here,” said Jorgensen. “We
never thought this project would
be so big.”
McLaughlin, who received
a Bachelor of Science degree
in Ocean Engineering from the
United States Naval Academy,
could thoroughly relate to the
project.
“I was impressed with the
engineering that was going into
it, and it looked like they were
going through a very disciplined
approach of building a submers-
ible,” he said.
“[The submersible] had every-
thing a young person should
want to do. It had welding. It
had machinery. They all learned
to scuba dive. It looked like
the most fun in the world,”
McLaughlin commented with a
smile. “I would have been happy
to jump on that given the oppor-
tunity if they had that in my
high school.”
According to the International
Submarine Race’s (ICR) web-
site, each “wet” submarine must
have a person providing propul-
sion and steering while utiliz-
ing SCUBA gear. One of ICR’s
goals is to provide students of
various engineering disciplines
an educational experience that
translates their knowledge into
reality. Contestants include uni-
versities, high schools, individu-
als and research labs.
Old Saybrook High School is
only one of three high schools
that were invited to compete.
“We thought it was just going
to be our little town that nobody’s
ever heard of just being one
of three schools in the com-
petition,” said Jorgensen. “But
I’m really glad the whole com-
munity has really embraced it,
and everyone’s really excited for
us.”
When McLaughlin had a
chance to address the team, he
told them that it takes a lot of
bravery to be encapsulated in
a small space breathing from
a tank. He followed by asking
if anyone was claustrophobic,
and, almost at once, they all
answered, “We will find out.”

Photo by MC1(AW/SW) Virginia K. Schaefer

OLD SAYBROOK, Conn. - Fred Frese, a faculty advisor, describes to Rear Admiral. Michael McLaughlin, Commander, Submarine Group 2, how the Old Saybrook High
School submarine team’s submersible works during a visit Dec. 10. The team and their submersible will compete during the 11th International Submarine Race held
in Bethesda, Md., in June 2011.

Safety ...
Continued from page 2
ity, it’s a real pact. It’s an
agreement between all of us to
work together to eliminate or
at least significantly reduce the
hazards that we have.”
Mulcahy remarked that
when he assumed duties as
the Public Works Officer,
he noticed a lack of input
from employees and lower
level supervisors during safe-
ty briefs, especially when
addressing a mishap.
“What I found was a lot of
the discussion” about what
[the management] thought
should be done and what
corrective action should be
taken, he said. “What I didn’t
hear is what [the employees]
thought.”
To correct this issue,
Daly now participates as
an employee representative
in the monthly meetings of
the Occupational Safety and
Health Council which was for-
merly made up of only man-
agement personnel. Mulcahy
hopes this change will help
to eliminate bad fixes to prob-
lems that in reality could be
corrected with the input of
someone who is actually deal-
ing with the hazards.
“That way we can have
word coming in and word
going back out,” Mulcahy
said, adding that a failure
to make these changes might
cause “another accident and
all because we didn’t actually
get the right amount of influ-
ence.”
According to Daly, the
teamwork of the Employee
Driven Safety Committee is
“progressing very well” and
already showing results after
only a few months of meet-
ings.
“We are to the point where
we are asking questions and
getting answers within [the
committee] as well as bring-
ing up issues that need to be
addressed,” Daly said.
With employee suggestions,
Mulcahy said they may be
able to eliminate some of the
“longer term injuries” that
can occur in an industrial
environment. “I’ll accept a
bruised thumb or a scraped
knee once in a while,” he
said. “I just don’t want to
see fingers or toes missing. I
don’t want to see eyes dam-
aged.”
He is hopeful that the initia-
tive will provide meaningful
changes to the workplace and
improve the operating condi-
tions for PWD employees.
“I think this is an important
leap forward,” he said.
4 • THE DOLPHIN • Thursday, December 16, 2010

Looking back on 2010

Farewell USS Philadelphia SSN 690

Photo by ET2 Mark Moore
Decommissioning
GROTON, Conn. - 2010 marked the end of an era as
Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Philadelphia
(SSN 690) was decommissioned. (Right) Rear Admiral
Douglas McAneny, Commander Submarine Force, U.S.
Pacific Fleet, salutes for the Admiral’s March and 13-
gun salute, during the arrival of the official party for the
decommissioning ceremony at Naval Submarine Base
New London, June 25. McAneny was the seventh com-
manding officer of Philadelphia and guest speaker. The
decommissioning ceremony featured many of the former

Bronze Star Recipients commanding officers of Philadelphia.

GROTON, Conn. - Throughout the year Sailors were applauded for their
accomplishments at Naval Submarine Base New London and abroad.
(Above) Commander Charles Maher, USS Memphis (SSN 691) Commanding
Officer, left, pins a Bronze Star on the chest of Chief Electronics Technician
(SS) William Cox, Jr., Feb. 24. Cox received the award for serving as an Photo by MC1 Steven Myers
Individual Augmentee with Joint CREW Composite Squadron One, sta-
tioned in Iraq. (Below) Rear Admiral Michael McLaughlin, Commander,
Submarine Group 2, presents the Bronze Star Medal on Lieutenant
Return from Final Deployment
Commander Colin McGuire, Oct. 3. McGuire was awarded the medal for GROTON, Conn. - (Left) Sailors from
his actions as the Combined Joint Task Force Paladin CJ3 Combined Naval Submarine Base New London
Security Transition Command-Afghanistan Liaison Officer in support of give three cheers to congratulate USS
Enduring Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism. Philadelphia (SSN 690) on a success-
ful final deployment. The 33-year-old
Los Angeles Class Attack Submarine
returned from its final scheduled
deployment, Feb. 3. Philadelphia’s
final returned featured a welcome
home letter from Connecticut Governor
Jodi Rell. “In peace and war, diplo-
macy and combat, those who served
in today’s nuclear-powered attack
submarine USS Philadelphia can be
proud of their contribution to the out-
standing legacy of one of the greatest
namesakes in our nation’s maritime
history,” wrote Gov. Rell. “Welcome
home to a grateful nation, and a very,
very proud Connecticut homeport.”

Photo by ET2 Mark Moore

Photo by MC1 Virginia Schaeffer

Farewell & Following Seas

GROTON, Conn. - In 2010 many base personnel said farewell to SUBASE as
they entered retirement. (Below) Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick
West presents a framed letter of appreciation to Naval Submarine Support
Center Command Master Chief Alexander Atkinson during his retirement
ceremony on board Naval Submarine Base New London (SUBASE), July
30. Atkinson was presented many awards and accommodations during his
retirement ceremony, including congratulatory letters from former Presidents
George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, as well as President Barack Obama.
Work in progress

Photo by MM3 Sean Phillips

Welcome to the Goat Locker

GROTON, Conn. - 2010 saw more than 80 Sailors from Naval Submarine
Base New London and its tenant commands promoted to the rank of
Chief Petty Officer. (Above) Eight newly pinned Chief Petty Officers pre-
pare to receive their combination covers from their sponsors during the
chief pinning ceremony at the Submarine Force Library and Museum’s
Historic Ship Nautilus, Sept. 16.
Photo by Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs
Photo by SN Michael Henderson

Christening
New arrivals NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – (From the left) Commander Dana Nelson,
commanding officer, Pre-commissioning Unit California, Jackalyne
Pfannenstiel, assistant secretary of the Navy, Energy, Installations
and Environment; Mike Petters, president of Northrop Grumman

to the fleet Shipbuilding and Donna Willard, sponsor of California. Northrop

Grumman Shipbuilding christened the eighth submarine of the
Virginia class, California (SSN 781), at the company’s Shipbuilding
sector in Newport News, Va., Nov. 6.

Keel Laying
GROTON, Conn. - Sailors man the rails and bring the
ship to life during the commissioning ceremony for
the Virginia-class attack submarine USS Missouri (SSN
780) at Naval Submarine Base New London, July 31.
KINGSTOWN, R.I. – Welder Scott Fanning inscribes the initials of
ship sponsor Allison Stiller onto a metal plate that will be welded
to the hull of Virginia-class submarine PCU Mississippi (SSN 782),
Jun. 9. Stiller began serving as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the
Navy for Ship Programs in January 2004.
Photo by MC1 Tiffini Jones Vanderwyst

NORFOLK, Va. - With USS George

H. W. Bush (CVN 77) in the back-
ground, Sailors man Virginia-class
attack submarine USS New Mexico
(SSN 779) after “bringing her to
life” during a commissioning cer-
emony, March 27. New Mexico
joins five other submarines of her
class as flexible, multi-mission
platforms designed to carry out
the seven core competencies of
the Submarine Force: anti-subma-
rine warfare; anti-surface warfare;
special operations forces; strike;
irregular warfare; intelligence, sur-
veillance, and reconnaissance; and
mine warfare. Photo by ET2 Mark Moore
Photo by Lt. Patrick Evans
 Thursday, December 16, 2010 • THE DOLPHIN • 5

SUBASE Honoring
Year in
Review Photo by Officer Candidate Melissa Gavin

GROTON, Conn. - World War II veterans from the Submarine Veterans (SUBVETS) Groton Base
join Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick West in shouting a “hooyah” to their
future submariners following a memorial service for all U.S. submarines on Eternal Patrol in
association with the 110th birthday of the U.S. Submarine Force at the World War II Memorial
East in Groton, Apr. 10. The service honored all U.S. submariners who gave their lives while
serving on submarines, and marked the 47th anniversary of the loss of USS Thresher (SSN
593), which was lost April 10, 1963. West was the guest speaker for the event.

Proud Americans Photo by MM3 Sean Phillips

GROTON, Conn. – (Above) Members of the Silver Dolphins, the Naval Submarine
School color guard, “ready the colors” for the playing of the national anthem
during the Ramage Hall dedication ceremony at Naval Submarine Base New
London, Aug. 20. Ramage Hall is named for World War II Submariner and Medal
of Honor recipient Vice Admiral Lawson P. Ramage.

Photo by MC3 Timothy Walter

GROTON, Conn. – Former Machinist Mate 1st Class Ray

Hamilton clutches the American flag during the invocation Photo by MC1 Peter D. Blair
of the Veterans Day Memorial Service at the World War II
GROTON, Conn. - Active duty, reserve, and veteran members of the Armed Forces take the Oath of

Honored Tradition
Memorial East in Groton, Conn., Nov. 11. During the ser-
Citizenship during a naturalization ceremony at the Submarine Force Library and Museum (SFLM).
vice, veterans performed the “Tolling of the Boats,” where
Twelve personnel from eleven different countries became American citizens. It was the first time a
a bell was rung and the respective flag dipped for each
ceremony of this type was held at the museum.
submarine lost at sea.
Photo by MC1 Steven Myers

Making a difference
MYSTIC, Conn. - Information Systems
Technician Seaman Nannette Moyer (left)
and Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Matthew
Ward (right) dig up “burning bush” at
the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
Manatuck Preserve, April 20. Members from
the Naval Submarine Base New London
(SUBASE) Public Affairs Office, Base
Consolidated Telecommunications, and
Public Works Office were present for the
MASHANTUCKET, Conn. - Rear Admiral Michael McLaughlin, Commander,
Submarine Group 2; Electronics Technician Seaman Michael Hatchett, the
newest submarine qualified Sailor; retired Chief Mess Specialist Robert Burr,
the most senior submarine qualified enlisted Sailor; retired Lieutenant Ernie
Plantz, the most senior submarine qualified officer; and retired Captain Hank
Chiles, who received his dolphins aboard USS Triton (SSRN 586), cut the birth-
day cake during the 110th Submarine Birthday Ball, Apil. 10. The submarine
ball commemorates the anniversary of the U.S. Navy’s Submarine Force. On
April 11, 1900, the U.S. Navy purchased John Philip Holland’s revolutionary
submarine and renamed it the USS Holland (SS 1), America’s first commis-
sioned submarine.

B
removal of invasive plant life, renewing of
the park grounds, and maintenance of a
small bridge. Throughout 2010 Sailors from
SUBASE and its tenant commands helped

A
out in the community and right here on base
with the school partnership programs, the
Caring and Sharing program, and multiple
events at retirement and assisted living

T
facilities. The personnel at SUBASE not only
strengthened the ties with the community
but across Southeastern Connecticut as they
proved Sailors can make a difference.

T
Photo by MCC Evelyn Haywood

Allen performs
free show L
Photo by MC1 Steven Myers

GROTON Conn. - In 2010, three Naval Submarine Base New London subma-
rines received the Battle “E” award. (Above) Logistics Specialist 2nd Class

for military Guido Perez, USS New Hampshire (SSN 778) 2009 Junior Sailor of the Year

E
(front left), and Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Bryan Eubanks, New Hampshire
2009 Sailor of the Year, hold the coveted Battle “E” . Capt. Robert E. Clark
Photo by MC3 Timothy Walter II, Submarine Squadron Four Commodore, presented the submarine with the

‘E’
GROTON, Conn. - In 2010 Naval Submarine Base New London’s Morale, award Jan. 29. The Battle “E” is awarded annually to ships demonstrating
Welfare and Recreation Department treated patrons to many different a maximum condition of readiness for their class, and for their capability to
events. (Right) American Idol winner Kris Allen sings during his con- perform wartime responsibilities.

Winners
cert at the Dealey Center on Naval Submarine Base New London, Oct.
22. After several songs, fans rushed around the stage and packed the
front of the auditorium for the remainder of the concert.

Corpsman Battle of the

commands
H
A
Photo by SN Michael Henderson

GROTON, Conn. – In 2010 Naval Submarine Base New

London commands battled to determine the best of the
best during the annual “Battle of the Commands”. (Left)

L
Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Apprentice Pamela Giesen
(left) and Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Dahlia Pena (right)
attempt to pedal tricycles toward the goal during the first

L
leg of the Battle of the Commands “Mystery Relay Race,”
Sept. 7.

E SUPER PRIZE
N
Photo courtesy Ensign Richard Kerr

MIAMI – Morale, Welfare and Recreation gave one Sailor the trip of
a lifetime, allowing Ensign Richard Kerr to travel to the Superbowl.

G
(Right) Robert Kerr and Ensign Kerr pose for a photo at Super Bowl
Photo by SN Michael Henderson
XLIV as the Saints celebrate their franchise’s first World Title.
GROTON, Conn. – Above, “The Unit” from Newport hoist their trophy high after winning the Kerr won this “trip of a lifetime” through the Navy’s MWR Fantasy

E
Naval Health Clinic New England Corpsman Challenge for the second year in a row. The Football Challenge.
competitors gathered for a much needed reprieve, grilled foodstuffs, and volleyball at Naval
Submarine Base New London’s Rock Lake after the challenge, Jun. 11.
6 • THE DOLPHIN • Thursday, December 16, 2010

Mrs. Claus visits SUBASE Library

WWII submariners donate exploits to

SUBASE Library
Photo illustration by SN Michael Henderson

GROTON, Conn. - (From the left) Retired Chief Engineman George Jones, Stephen Leal Jackson,
author of “The Men”, Nancy Cook, Library Director, and Commander Daniel Rossler, Naval Submarine
Base New London (SUBASE) Executive Officer, pose for a photo during the donation of the recently
published book “The Men” to the SUBASE Library, Dec. 13. The book, published in May of this year,
tells the tales of enlisted Sailors in the submarine force during World War II. Jones is one of a number
of living legends whose experiences are recounted throughout the book.
Photo by MM3 Sean Phillips

GROTON, Conn. – Mrs. Claus reads “The Night Before Christmas” to children at Naval Submarine Base New London’s library, Dec.
14. Cookies, hot chocolate, and candy canes were served after the story.
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Thursday, December 16, 2010 • THE DOLPHIN • 7
8 • THE DOLPHIN • Thursday, December 16, 2010