SUBASE Library Reading Program is ongoing. Call (860) 694-3723 for details.
Vol. 49, No. 7
Grossman’s honors military
with second annual lobster dinner
By MM3 Sean Phillips
GROTON, Conn. –
Thankfully, it’s not unusual
these days for a former or
active military member to get
a pat on the back or a grate-
ful handshake from a stranger
for their service to the United
States.
But one local community
restaurant took their appre-
ciation a step further July 18
when they provided almost
600 pounds of clawed crus-
taceans to more than 500 of
their most honored friends.
For the second year in a
row, Grossman’s Seafood off
Gold Star Highway sponsored
Operation Lobster Dinner.
Active duty, reserve, and
retired military members from
across the region were guests
at this year’s event.
“It is not only our honor, but
our privilege, to come togeth-
er with local businesses and
neighbors to have this event
for the very people that sac-
rifice for our freedoms,” said
Sean Coleman, Grossman’s
Seafood General Manager and
one of the event’s primary
organizers.
In addition to Grossmans’
sponsorship, the event received
a great deal of support from
government representatives
and local organizations.
See Lobster on Page 6
Missouri arrives at Naval Submarine Base New London
By Commander Submarine Group 2
Public Affairs
GROTON, Conn. - The nation’s
newest and most advanced
nuclear-powered attack subma-
GROTON, Conn. - Virginia-class submarine Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Missouri (SSN 780) prepares to moor at Naval
Submarine Base New London for the first time, July 22. Missouri will be commissioned there July 31.
Sailors of the Year promoted to Chief, make history
By MC1(EXW) Jennifer A. Villalovos
WASHINGTON - The 2009
Sailor of the Year winners, who
for the first time in history are
all women, were meritoriously
advanced to Chief Petty Officer
during a ceremony held at the
Navy Memorial July 22.
Chief of Naval Operations,
Admiral Gary Roughead, was
the guest speaker at the pinning
ceremony hosted by the Master
Chief Petty Officer of the Navy
(MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. West.
Hospital Corpsman 1st Class
Ingrid Cortez, U.S. Fleet Forces
Sea Sailor of the Year; Hospital
Corpsman 1st Class Shalanda
Brewer, Navy Reserve Sailor of
the Year; Operations Specialist 1st
Class Samira McBride, U.S. Pacific
Fleet Sea Sailor of the Year and
Cryptologic Technician (Technical)
1st Class Cassandra Foote, Chief of
Naval Operations Shore Sailor of
the Year were each presented their
chief petty officer appointment let-
Serving the Military Community in Southeastern Connecticut since 1918
GROTON, Conn. – Sarah Lord, Miss Mountain Laurel 2010, serves lobster at Grossman’s Seafood, July 18. Guests were served by the winners of the Miss Connecticut
Scholarship program along with 90 volunteers. This year marks the second year of the lobster dinner which saw an attendance of 600 active duty and retired mili-
tary. The event hosted a live band, Governor Jodi Rell, and Congressman (D) Joseph Courtney. For more photos and the rest of the story, see Page 6.
rine, Pre-Commissioning Unit
(PCU) Missouri (SSN 780),
arrived at Naval Submarine
Base New London July 22 in
preparation for commissioning.
Missouri arrived at the base
after completing a material read-
ter from the CNO prior to having
their anchors pinned to their col-
lars and combination covers placed
on their heads.
“What I like most about this
program is that these four Sailors
know the Navy appreciates their
dedication and performance, and
expects even more of them in
the future,” said Roughead. “Their
advancement today is an affir-
mation of the potential the Navy
sees in them as future Chief Petty
Officers and senior enlisted leaders
at their next commands.”
Before the anchors were pinned
on the Sailors of the Year, West
spoke about the great honor of
earning the title of “Chief” and the
privilege of leading Sailors while
wearing the chief anchors on their
collars.
“This is a great day for our Navy,
and today we are making his-
tory with all for Sailors of the Year
being women. These Sailors have
proven themselves as professional
Sailors, experts in their rates, role
models to our junior Sailors and
iness inspection by the Navy’s
Board of Inspection and Survey
(INSURV) team. INSURV is
a survey team established by
Congress to assess Navy sur-
face ships, aircraft carriers and
submarines and ensure they are
Photo by MC1(SW/AW) Steven Myers
youth, and most importantly, true
leaders,” said West.
Families, friends and shipmates
traveled from around the world
to attend the ceremony to share
the highlights of their accomplish-
ments and achievement on mak-
ing chief petty officer.
“A lot is expected of us, and it’s
a greater responsibility, but we are
going to lead our Sailors and keep
doing what we’ve been doing,”
said Cortez after the advancement
ceremony. “This was such an awe-
some experience. I feel like I’m
on top of the world, and it’s just
incredible.”
The Sailors of the Year and their
families toured the White House,
visited historical sites around D.C.,
meet with residents at the Armed
Forces Retirement Home, and
attended special events held in their
honor throughout the week before
their advancement ceremony.
The Sailor of the Year program
was established in 1972 by the Chief
of Naval Operations Adm. Elmo
Zumwalt and Master Chief Petty
properly equipped for prompt,
reliable and sustained mission
readiness at sea.
“Today really marks the
first day where the sub starts
to become part of that fleet,
which will culminate with the
commissioning,” said Capt.
Michael Bernacchi, Commodore
of Submarine Squadron Four,
which will be Missouri’s home
squadron. “The crew has done an
unbelieveable job over the past
five months, just a tremendous
amount of work getting the ship
ready. They are clearly ahead of
the game, and we’re very excited
to have them here at SUBASE and
part of squadron four.”
Commander Timothy Rexrode
is the commanding officer of
Missouri, the seventh ship of
the Virginia Class.
“This really is the biggest
honor I’ve had in my professional
career,” said Rexrode. “I’m proud
to bear the name Missouri and to
get out to the fleet and work for
the Navy and the nation.”
Missouri, which completed sea
trials earlier this month, officially
joins the fleet during a commis-
sioning ceremony July 31 at 11
WASHINGTON - The 2009 Chief of Naval Operations Shore Sailor of the Year Cryptologic
Technician (Technical) 1st Class Cassandra Foote is meritoriously promoted to chief
petty officer at an advancement ceremony at the Navy Memorial, July 22.
Officer of the Navy John Whittet to
recognize an individual Sailor who
best represented the ever-growing
group of dedicated professional
Sailors at each command and ulti-
mately the Navy. When the pro-
Thursday, July 29, 2010
New Haven, CT 06511
40 Sargent Drive
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
NEWSPAPERS
SHORE LINE
PRSRT/STD
Photo by SN Michael Henderson
INSIDE
a.m., at Naval Submarine Base
New London in Groton, Conn.
There are five Missouri
natives among the sub-
marine’s crew. They are
Electronics Technician 1st SUBVETS
Class John M. Tyhurst, a
Joplin, Mo., native; Sonar award several
Technician Seaman Benjamin
A. Bowers, a Green Ridge scholarships
native; Lieutenant Patrick
Donovan, a Springfield, Mo. Page 2
native; Machinist’s Mate 2nd
Class Nicholas C. Koblick,
a St. Louis native; and, Fire
Control Technician 2nd Class
Ryan J. Thruston, a Jefferson
City, Mo. native.
Construction on Missouri
began in December 2004; the
submarine’s keel was authenti-
cated during a ceremony Sept.
27, 2008, at the Electric Boat
facility in North Kingstown, USS Providence
R.I.; and, she was christened Sailor earns
during a late morning ceremony
at Electric Boat Dec. 5, 2009. award
Another milestone occurred
April 16 during “In Service Page 5
Day,” when crew members
moved aboard the submarine,
See Missouri on Page 4
Women’s Home
Run Derby
champ is
crowned
Page 7
INDEX
Local...................................2
Movies.....................................7
Classifieds................................8
Photo by MC1(EXW) Jennifer A. Villalovos
gram began, only the Atlantic and
Pacific Fleet Sailors were recog-
nized. Within ten years, the Sailor
of the Year program was expanded
to include the shore establishment
and Navy Reserve Sailors.
2 • THE DOLPHIN • Thursday, July 29, 2010

SUBVETS
award five
scholarships
By John Carcioppolo
This newspaper is an authorized publication for personnel of the SUBVETS National Commander
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. - Five col-
Department of Defense or the Department of the Navy. lege students received money
toward their education from
Commanding Officer Naval Submarine Base New London the United States Submarine
Capt. Marc W. Denno Veterans Groton Base
Executive Officer Naval Submarine Base New London (SUBVETS) at their monthly
Cmdr. Daniel M. Rossler
Command Master Chief Naval Submarine Base New London
meeting, July 12.
CMDCM(SS) Ray Powell Christopher Pietras is in his
Public Affairs Officer - Christopher Zendan second year at Clark University
Editor - Sheryl Walsh in Worcester, Mass. He has a
Editorial Assistant - Christina Lough dual major of math and com-
Public Affairs Staff - MCC(SW/AW)Evelyn Haywood, puter science, and was awarded
MCC(SW) James O’Donnell, MC1(AW) Peter Blair, $3,000. He is the son of Captain
MM3 Sean Phillips, SN Joshua Hirschfeld Chris Pietras, who is assigned
and SN Michael Henderson to the Washington Navy Yard
Photo by MCC(SW/AW) Evelyn P. Haywood
• NEWS - The editorial content of this newspaper is prepared, edited
in Washington D.C.
and provided by the Public Affairs Office of the Naval Submarine Base New Emily Janacek is in her first GROTON, Conn. – United States Submarine Veterans Inc (USSVI) National Commander, John Carcioppolo, Summer Grant
London. News items and photos must be received by 4 p.m. the Friday year at Central Connecticut (sponsored by Ernie Plantz), Emily Janacek (sponsored by Ted Janacek) and USSVI Scholarship Point of Contact, John
before publication. News ideas and questions can be directed to Christopher State University, is majoring Truman pose for a photo after receiving scholarships at the USSVI clubhouse, July 12.
Zendan at 694-5980. Readers can e-mail us at dolphin@ctcentral.com. Log in Music Education, and also Autumn Oakley attends to Mitchell College to major which included the SUBVETS
onto the Web site at www.dolphin-news.com. received $3,000. She is the Berkley High School in Moncks in applied health. His parents Groton Base Scholarship Golf
• ADDRESS - The Dolphin staff can be reached at 694-3514 or write to: daughter of Theodore Janacek
The Dolphin, Naval Submarine Base New London PAO, Box 44, Groton, CT Corner, S.C. She received are Paul and Karen Stevens of Tournament.
and Elfie Stoebe-Janacek of $3,000 and will be going to the McLean, Va. For additional information
06349-5044. All news releases should be sent to this address. Gales Ferry.
• ADVERTISING - Advertisements are solicited by Shore Line College of Charleston to major The money for the Groton about SUBVETS or the Groton
Newspapers and not the editorial staff or Public Affairs Office. Inquiries
Summer Grant, who attends
St. Bernard High School, was in physical therapy for athletic Base Scholarship program Base Scholarship Program,
regarding advertisements should be directed to the Display Advertising or training. Her parents are Eric was raised through donations visit their Web page at http://
Classified Advertising departments. awarded $3,000 and will be
Display Advertising, Laura Carpenter at (203) 752-2704, Betsy attending the University of and Wendy Ramsey of Moncks and sponsorships by mem- subvetsgroton.org, or contact
Lemkin at (203) 752-2706 and Mercy Mosher at (203) 752-2702 Delaware to major in account- Corner, S.C. bers, businesses/organiza- Groton Base Commander John
Classified Advertising (in Conn.) (800) 922-7066 ing and marketing. She is the David Stevens, who attends tions in the community dur- Carcioppolo at (860)514-7064,
Classified Advertising (outside Conn.) (203) 789-5200 granddaughter of Ernie and Thames Academy, was award- ing the SUBVETS Anniversary or commander@subvetsgroton.
Caroline Plantz of Gales Ferry. ed $1,500 and will be going Celebration held this past April org.
The Dolphin is published every Thursday by Shoreline Newspapers,

SUBSCOL recognizes outstanding performers

40 Sargent Drive, New Haven, CT 06511. Telephone (203) 752-2701.
Minimum weekly circulation 10,000.

John Slater, General Manager

Shore Line Newspapers led a division of twenty with a statuette replica of (DSW) Levi Hill was the
The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the Naval
Submarine Base New London Public Affairs Office. By William Kenny instructors, ensuring that the the Lone Sailor and received Junior Sailor of the Second
The Dolphin is published by Shoreline Newspapers, a private firm in no quality of training was of the the Navy and Marine Corps Quarter, selected by the Naval
way connected with the Department of Defense or the U.S. Navy under exclu- GROTON, Conn. - Sonar highest standards, while suc- Achievement Medal, Silver Submarine School First Class
sive written contract with the Naval Submarine Base New London. Technician 1st Class (SS) cessfully graduating 490 new Star in lieu of Sixth Award. Petty Officer Association.
The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts of Brian Osborne was named submariners. Petty Officer Also honored as Department Other nominees included
supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense Naval Submarine School Osborne conducted weekly Sailors of the Quarter were: Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class
or Shoreline Newspapers of the products and services advertised.
Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for pur-
Sailor of the Quarter for the Master Training Specialist STS1(SS) Daniel Burns, (SS) James Paselio, ET2(SS)
chase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national Second Quarter of 2010, (MTS) training seminars...to Electronics Technician 1st Adam Hutchins, ET2(SS)
origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other July 15, in ceremonies spon- assist his shipmates in their Class (SS) Dustin Robertson, Bradly Lovell and FT2(SS)
non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. sored by the Fleet Reserve qualifications...(and) efforts ET1(SS) Kyle Studenmund, Sanyika Adams.
Association. to re-construct the course Machinist’s Mate 1st Class STS1(SS) Andrew Stockwell
This newspaper is printed on recycled newsprint. Please help conserve our Osborne is the Basic schedule to maximize stu- (SS) Randall Miller and Fire was selected as Naval
resources and recycle this paper when you are finished with it.
Enlisted Submarine School dent throughput through the Control Technician 1st Class Submarine School Instructor

News in your community (BESS) Leading Petty Officer.

“(Petty Officer Osborne)
high risk trainers.”
Osborne was presented
(SS) Alexis Bingham.
Navy Diver 2nd Class
of the Second Quarter of
2010.

‘Strike out Cancer’ at Taco Bell, Pizza Hut

Through Aug. 4, customers at participating Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza
NBHC congratulates newest board-certified
Hut restaurants will be asked to contribute $1, $3, or $5 to the Jimmy
Fund as part of the restaurant’s “Strike out Cancer” program. In return for Orthopedic Physical Therapist
their contribution, customers will receive a paper baseball icon to write
their name upon and have displayed in the restaurant. It is a great way to Photo by Kathy MacKnight
for people to see how they can make a big difference and help “Strike out
Cancer.” GROTON, Conn. - Naval Branch Health Clinic Groton congratulates Dr. Jennifer Herrington, DPT,
Locally “Strike out Cancer” is taking place at Taco Bell, located at 195 OCS on the occasion of her completing the requirements to become board-certified in Orthopedic
Route 12 in Groton and Pizza Hut, located at 681 Long Hill Road in Physical Therapy. As an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Dr. Herrington has demonstrated her exper-
Groton. tise in the diagnosis, care and treatment of neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction. Only about 5,500
The Jimmy Fund, an official charity of the Boston Red Sox, supports the therapists, nationwide and in Canada, have this certification. Her hard work and dedication will
fight against cancer at Dana-Farber, helping to raise the chances of survival result in enhanced care to the patients at NBHC Groton’s Physical Therapy Clinic.
for children and adults with cancer around the world. Since 1948, the
generosity of millions of people has helped the Jimmy Fund (www.jim-
myfund.org) save countless lives by furthering cancer research and care.
Looking for former crewmen of Trepang
Crew members of USS Trepang (SSN 674) are being sought after.
Contact Gary Theriault at gterio@bellsouth.net or Ed Rabbitt at
bugsbunny35@centurytel.net with your e-mail and postal mail address.
Ombudsman Basic Training classes to be offered
Wash hands, stay healthy All Ombudsmen, command
team leadership and spous-
Center offices in Building
83.
and are required for all
Ombudsmen and those wish-
ject to command approval
and limited to 20 partici-
their hands. es, interested family mem- This is the Commander ing to complete their CNIC pants.
By HM2(FMF) Nathan McKay In addition to children, bers, volunteers and Naval Navy Installations Command Ombudsman certification The point of contact is
young adults have shown Submarine Base New London (CNIC) Standardized “Basic process. Registrations must Beth Darius, Ombudsman
GROTON, Conn. - Preventive alarming results regarding personnel are welcome to Training” and will use be received no later than Coordinator, Fleet and Family
Medicine at Naval Branch hand washing. According attend Ombudsman Basic newly developed materials. Aug. 11. Requests received Support Center, (860) 694-
Health Clinic (NBHC) Groton, to a study by Taylor and Training, Aug. 16 through Basic Training consists of after this date will be reg- 4740, DSN 694-4740, FAX
tracks and reports communi- colleagues (published 19 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., at nine modules, which must istered on a space available 694-4695/4188 or e-mail
cable diseases and is respon- in American Society for the Fleet and Family Support be taken in sequential order basis. Registrations are sub- beth.darius.ctr@navy.mil.
sible for public health at Clinical Laboratory Science
Naval Submarine Base New
London (SUBASE). The best
person at keeping yourself
earlier this year), of 100
students at the University
of Alabama, females were
Operation Homefront helps prepare kids for school
healthy is you. An important more likely to wash their It’s that time of year again Every day, brave men and emergency financial and and their families, simply
and undervalued prevention hands than males (80 per- and Operation Homefront women in the armed forces other assistance to the fami- purchase school supply items
practice to staying healthy is cent vs. 60 percent), and the New England wants to lend selflessly defend our country lies of our service members and drop them off in a “Back-
proper hand washing. Taylor study is not the first a hand to military families. and the freedoms we cher- and wounded warriors. to-School Brigade” collection
“Be mindful of your envi- of its kind; the University of Getting children ready to ish. When they deploy, they Dollar Tree is proud and box located in any Dollar tree
ronment,” says Lieutenant Colorado published a simi- go back to school can be a leave behind families that humbled to partner with store. Operation Homefront
Commander Bonaparte, lar study yielding similar costly venture, but Operation often struggle with day-to- Operation Homefront to volunteers will collect and
Senior Medical Officer at results. The reason why Homefront’s Back-to-School day expenses and unfore- launch their 2010 Back- distribute these items to mili-
NBHC. “Hand-washing and females washed their hands Brigade is committed to seen emergencies. Operation To-School Drive, running tary families through your
environmental hygiene are more was not determined ensuring that military chil- Homefront, a 501(c)(3) non- through Aug. 2nd. To show Military Family Readiness
important to prevent unnec- but the facts were conclu- dren are prepared for school. profit organization, provides your support for our troops contacts in your area.
essary infections.” sive. You or a person you
One of the common ill- know may not wash their
nesses treated at NBHC is
upper-respiratory infections
hands properly, or as often
as needed, and all of us are
Free career program
(URIs). A URI is an umbrella
term used to describe many
then more exposed to vari-
ous illnesses.
offered to Sailors
acute infections that involve So how does one properly
the upper respiratory tract wash their hands? According Photo by MM3 Sean Phillips
(which includes your nose, to the Centers for Disease
sinuses, and throat). The Control and Prevention
most effective way to pre- (CDC), start by using warm
vent URIs and many other running water. Apply soap
illnesses is proper hand and rub hands together vig- GROTON, Conn. - Kenneth Ledbetter, United
washing. orously for at least twenty Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP)
To prove this, volunteers seconds. Next, rinse your Marketing and Outreach Coordinator, informs
from the Rockford Hand hands thoroughly. Use a Sailors of USMAP’s benefits at Naval Submarine
Washing Coalition went paper towel to dry your Base New London’s Dealey Center Theater, July
into 19 different elementa- hands and if possible, use 21. USMAP helps active duty Sailors to achieve a
ry classrooms in 2007, for that same paper towel to Department of Labor Certificate of Completion of
four consecutive weeks, to shut off the water and open Apprenticeship. This free program helps Sailors
test this theory on children. the restroom door. If soap become more marketable in a career following
Before and after ager plates and water are not available, naval service. For more information on USMAP,
were used to grow bacteria use hand sanitizer with at contact (850)452-1001 or visit https://usmap.cnet.
from the hands of children. least 60 percent alcohol con- navy.mil.
On average, there was a 58 centration. Remember, your
percent reduction in bacte- health is your responsibil-
ria after children washed ity. Wash your hands.
 Thursday, July 29, 2010 • THE DOLPHIN • 3

USS North Carolina departs Groton

for new homeport at Pearl Harbor
By Commander Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. - Virginia-class attack submarine USS North Carolina (SSN 777) departed
Submarine Base New London July 22, ultimately heading for her new homeport at Naval
Station Pearl Harbor.
North Carolina will be the third Virginia-class submarine home ported at Naval Station
Pearl Harbor, joining USS Hawaii (SSN 776) and USS Texas (SSN 775).
North Carolina’s commanding officer is Commander Wallace Schlauder. The submarine’s
keel was laid May 22, 2004, and the submarine’s official commissioning ceremony was held
May 3, 2008.
Measuring 377 feet long, weighing 7,800 tons when submerged and with a complement of
more than 130 crewmembers, it is the fifth ship to be named in honor of the Tar Heel State.
North Carolina’s crew is excited to represent its namesake state both at home and abroad. She
is one of the Navy’s newest and most technologically sophisticated submarines.
This state-of-the-art submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including
anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, naval special warfare involving
special operations forces, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, irregular warfare,
and mine warfare.
Recognizing the importance of the Asia-Pacific region and the increased threat posed by the
proliferation of submarines in the Pacific, the 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review mandated
that 60 percent of the U.S. Navy’s submarines be home ported in the Pacific by the end of
2010.

Photo by Commander Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

Check out our new Web site at

www.dolphin-news.com
4 • THE DOLPHIN • Thursday, July 29, 2010
Missouri ...
Continued from Page 1
bringing her systems to life, begin-
ning general day-to-day opera-
tions and preparing for sea-trials,
work-ups and commissioning.
Rexrode leads a crew of about
134 officers and enlisted person-
nel. A native of Spencer, W.Va.,
Rexrode graduated with hon-
ors in 1990 from West Virginia
University, receiving a Bachelor
of Science degree in Aerospace
Engineering. In addition, Rexrode
is a distinguished graduate of
the United States Marine Corps
Command and Staff College, hold-
ing as Master’s in Military Studies.
He also received a Master’s of Arts
degree in Administration from
Central Michigan University.
Becky Gates, wife of U.S.
Defense Secretary Robert M.
Gates, serves as the submarine’s
sponsor. She broke the tradition-
al champagne bottle against the
boat’s sail during the christening
ceremony last December. Her ini-
tials were welded into a plaque
inside the boat during last year’s
keel laying ceremony.
Missouri is the fifth Navy ship
to be named in honor of the
people of the “Show Me State.”
The last USS Missouri, the legend-
ary battleship, was the site where
Fleet Adm. Chester Nimitz, Gen.
Douglas MacArthur, and many
other U.S. and Allied officers
accepted the unconditional sur-
render of the Japanese at the end
of World War II on Sept. 2, 1945.
Missouri is built to excel in
anti-submarine warfare; anti-ship
warfare; strike warfare; special
operations; intelligence, surveil-
lance, and reconnaissance; irregu-
lar warfare; and mine warfare
missions. Adept at operating in
both the world’s shallow littoral
regions and deep waters, Missouri
will directly enable five of the six
Navy maritime strategy core capa-
bilities - sea control, power projec-
tion, forward presence, maritime
security, and deterrence.
The 7,800-ton submarine
Missouri is being built under a
teaming arrangement between
General Dynamics Electric
Boat and Northrop Grumman
Shipbuilding-Newport News. At
377 feet long, Missouri is slight-
ly longer than a football field.
She has a 34-foot beam, will be
able to dive to depths greater
than 800 feet and will operate
at speeds in excess of 25 knots
submerged. Missouri is designed
with a nuclear reactor plant that
will not require refueling during
the planned life of the ship, reduc-
ing lifecycle costs and increasing
underway time.
The USS Missouri
Commissioning Committee, an
IRS-designated 501(c)3 non-
profit charity, was created to
increase awareness of the sub-
marine’s commissioning. The
Commissioning Committee
offers information about the
development of the subma-
rine, as well as history on for-
mer Navy ships named for the
“Show Me State.”
 Thursday, July 29, 2010 • THE DOLPHIN • 5

Providence Officer does safety right

Photo by MC1(SW/AW) Steven Myers

GROTON, Conn. - Rear Admiral Michael McLaughlin, Commander Submarine Group Two, presents the Chief of Naval Operations Afloat Safety Award for
2009 to Lt. j.g. Jason Williams, USS Providence (SSN 719) Assistant Safety Officer, at a ceremony July 23. Providence Commanding Officer, Commander
Raymond Gabriel, summed up what it took to win this award for the second year. “This happens at the deck plates,” he said. “Our Chiefs and their teams
do it right the first time.”
6 • THE DOLPHIN • Thursday, July 29, 2010

Grossman s
H
onors
ometown
eroes
Photo by SN Michael Henderson

GROTON, Conn. – Above, members of the New

England Motorcycle Club line Gold Star Highway
outside Grossman’s Seafood holding photos of
fallen Connecticut military service members,
July 18.

Photo by SN Michael Henderson

Guests eat lobster and Johnny Rocket burg-

ers during the Grossman’s Seafood Operation
Lobster Dinner, July 18. More than, 600 active
duty, reserve, and retired military guests were
treated to the free appreciation dinner.

Photo by MM3 Sean Phillips

GROTON, Conn. - Below left, guests enjoy clams

at the raw bar during Operation Lobster Dinner,
July 18. The raw bar acted as an appetizer for
guests waiting for the lobsters to be served.

Photo by MM3 Sean Phillips

GROTON, Conn. - Below right, (From left to

right) Sgt. Gregory Gravel, Sgt. Robert Cromer,
and Private First Class Brian Bentley pose with
Miss Connecticut scholarship title holders during
Operation Lobster Dinner 2010.

Lobster ...
Continued from page 1
The New London Motorcycle Club, lined Gold Star
Highway holding American flags and pictures of
Connecticut loved ones lost in combat. Also in atten-
dance were members of the United States Army who
brought armored transports to display.
And one Connecticut service member left with more
than a full belly from the July 18 event. Josh Edwards,
a wounded Afghanistan veteran received a Chevy
Suburban from Work Vessels for Veterans (WVFV)
one of the event’s sponsors.
John Niekrash, WVFV President presented Edwards
with the keys to the SUV prior to the July 18 event.
WVFV also gave a work boat to another veteran as
part of their organization mission to help veterans
making the transition from military to civilian life.
“Our goal isn’t to help hundreds,” Niekrash said of
WVFV, “our goal is to help thousands.”
Photo by SN Michael Henderson
Appetites were not the only item being entertained
GROTON, Conn. – Above, Connecticut Congressman (D) Joseph Courtney speaks on stage, next to at this year’s event, the band Rhythm Method pro-
Sean Coleman, Grossman’s Seafood General Manager, and Christian Porter, Grossman’s Seafood vided live music entertainment as guests enjoyed the
Operation Manager July 18, during Operation Lobster Dinner. A large cast of guest speakers attended lobsters served by volunteers and Miss Connecticut
the event including: Conn. Governor Jodi Rell, District Representatives Alyssa Wright and Christopher Scholarship title holders. Children enjoyed airbrush
Coutu, and Captain Marc Denno, Naval Submarine Base New London Commanding Officer. drawings, face painting, and a moonwalk, as well as a
visit from the notorious Captain Jack Sparrow.
Christian Porter, Operation’s Manager for Grossman’s
Photo by SN Michael Henderson
Seafood, expressed his thanks to the military and all
GROTON, Conn. - Above right, Nicholas Chirillo receives an airbrushed tattoo by Dawn Twerdy, the volunteers that helped support the event.
from Artistic Airbrushing by Dawn, July 18. Children were entertained with the airbrushed tattoos, “The volunteers were a true statement to what I
as well as a tiger-shaped moonbounce, bag tossing and a visit from Captain Jack Sparrow. believe our nation is all about; caring for our neigh-
bors, supporting those in need, and giving unselfishly
of yourself to help others,” added Porter.
Photo by MM3 Sean Phillips
Words of thanks were given out by major politi-
Right, Army Spc. Josh Edwards stands next to his new Chevrolet Suburban donated by Work cal figures such as Connecticut Governor Jodi
Vessels for Vets (WVFV). WVFV also donated a 24-foot fishing vessel to Todd Rohr of the Wounded Rell, Congressman (D) Joseph Courtney, District
Warriors Project and two laptop computers to veterans going back to school to help transition Representatives Alyssa Wright and Christopher Coutu,
from military to civilian life. and Captain Marc Denno, Naval Submarine Base New
London’s Commanding Officer.

Operation Lobster Dinner II

 Thursday, July 29, 2010 • THE DOLPHIN • 7

Bruisers beat competition

Take the plunge

Photo by MC1(AW) Peter D. Blair

Photo by MM3 Sean Phillips
GROTON, Conn. – (from left to right) Jennifer Lindsey, Korilyn Barrett, and Heather Hock, display their trophies after
the Women’s Home Run Derby at Naval Submarine Base New London’s ball fields, July 22. Barrett of the team
Bruisers won first place with a total of 39 points followed by Lindsey in second and Hock in third from the team Mixed
Nuts with 31 and 29 points, respectively. The competition is held annually and featured 29 contestants this year.
GROTON, Conn. – Brook Stoodley sends Balfour Beatty Communities (BBC) employee Sheila Martinez-Kayser to the bottom
of the dunk tank during the BBC block party, July 16th. “This event exemplifies the relationship between Balfour Beatty
Communities and the families living here,” said SUBASE Executive Officer Commander Daniel Rossler. “Balfour Beatty not
only provides military families a great place to live, but offers venues for them to interact with their neighbors.” The block
party featured a clown, bumper cars, free giveaways, food, drinks, and much more.

Bottle rockets fly at SFLM

Volcanoes erupt at SUBASE Library

Photo by MM3 Sean Phillips
GROTON, Conn. – Salena McCloud watches as her model volcano “erupts” at Naval Submarine Base New London’s (SUBASE)
Library during the Summer Reading Program, July 16. Children built model volcanoes and used a baking soda/vinegar mix
to create an erupting effect. Interesting facts about volcanoes were read and a short quiz was given out. The next Summer
Reading Program event to be held is an Undersea Party. For more details, call the SUBASE library at (860) 643-3723.
Photo by SN Michael Henderson
GROTON, Conn. – Children from the City of New Haven Parks, Recreation and Trees Summer Camp launch hand-
crafted bottle rockets at Naval Submarine Base New London’s Submarine Force Library and Museum (SFLM), July
16. The event was one of many on the museum’s Summer Events Calendar.

‘Sheila’s Day’ opens Battle flags

raised at
MainStage Season SFLM
A triumphant musical celebration kicks off Hartford
Photo by MM3 Sean Phillips
Stage’s 47th MainStage season! Accompanied by rous-
ing gospel and blues and stirring Zulu chants, “Sheila’s
Day,” set in Perry County, Ala., and Soweto Township, GROTON, Conn. – Children design
Johannesburg, interweaves the personal stories of two their own battle flags at Naval
groups of women which lay bare racial injustice through the Submarine Base New London’s
eyes of domestic workers, known as “Sheilas”. Performed
Submarine Force Library and
by an award-winning international cast, Sheila’s Day offers
a joyful, riveting history and a triumph of the human spirit. Museum, July 25. The next event to
Sheila’s Day was conceived and written by Duma Ndlovu; be held is Halfway Day, celebrating
co-created by Mbongeni Ngema with additional material the halfway mark of summer, but is
by Ebony Jo-Ann. Ricardo Kahn directs the company of traditionally celebrated as the half-
ten vibrant actors, based in part on original staging by way mark of a ship’s deployment.
Mbongeni Ngema. The production runs through Aug. 15 Activities include fishing for subs,
at Hartford Stage’s summer home at Kingswood-Oxford’s making deployment rings, racing sail
Roberts Theatre in West Hartford. cars, and hoop golf. Halfway Day is
Tickets for “Sheila’s Day” are $23 to $66. A limited scheduled to take place July 30.
number of $10 “Ten Spot” tickets are also available for
all performances, making Hartford Stage among the most
affordable entertainment options in Connecticut. Discounts
are available for groups of 10 or more by calling (860)
520-7244. Whata Rush! half-price tickets to Sheila’s Day
may be purchased, subject to availability, beginning two Lyman Orchards’ Sunflower Maze takes turtle theme, runs with it
hours before each performance in person at the box office
only. Patrons must request What a Rush! tickets at the time
of purchase to receive this discount. Tickets for children From Lyman Orchards
and students are $10 off the full price when purchased
in advance. Students of Capital Community College may MIDDLEFIELD, Conn. – Every
purchase one $10 ticket to Sheila’s Day upon presentation turtle knows that “slow and steady
of their student ID at the Hartford Stage box office. All wins the race.” The truth of that
discount programs are subject to availability and cannot adage will be put to the test amid
combined with other offers. the opening celebration of Lyman
Orchards’ 4th Annual Sunflower
Maze, July 31. This year’s turtle-

Dealey Center Theater

themed maze will provide a perfect
setting for a walk through nature’s
beauty at any speed, but a slow,
turtle-like pace will surely be the
July 29 6:00 p.m. Jonah Hex most effective method to find the
July 30 6:00 p.m. Grown Ups way out.
July 31 3:00 p.m. Toy Story 3 Maze visitors of all ages will put
5:00 p.m. Toy Story 3 their sense of direction to the test on
7:00 p.m. Grown Ups Lyman’s three-acre sunflower field.
Aug. 1 5:00 p.m. Toy Story 3 “We’re looking forward to our 4th
7:00 p.m. Grown Ups season with the Sunflower Maze. It
Aug. 2 6:00 p.m. Jonah Hex really adds to the beauty and excite-
Aug. 3 6:00 p.m. Grown Ups ment of the Orchard in August. It’s
Aug. 4 6:00 p.m. Toy Story 3 certainly another reason to come
Aug. 5 6:00 p.m. Grown Ups out to Lymans” said John Lyman
III, executive vice president and
Jonah Hex Cast: Josh Brolin, Megan Fox, Rated: PG 13, Story eighth generation member of the
Type: Action/Adventure, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Western and family-owned farm. “We’re looking
Adaptation, Runtime: 81 min. forward to a fun-filled sunflower
Grown Ups Cast: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Rated: PG-13, season right through to September
Story Type: Comedy, Runtime: 102 min. 6th.” For each maze ticket sold,
Toy Story 3 Cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Rated: G, Story Lyman Orchards will donate $1 to
Type: Action/Adventure, Comedy, Animation and Sequel the Connecticut Children’s Medical
Center in Hartford.
Next Week: Twilight Saga: Eclipse and For more information, call Lyman Orchards at (860) 349-1793 or visit www.lymanorchards.com. For more information about Connecticut
The Last Airbender Children’s Medical Center, visit www.connecticutchildrens.org.
8 • THE DOLPHIN • Thursday, July 29, 2010
Outstanding Sea Cadet saves house from disaster
By Nautilus Chapter, NSCC
GROTON, Conn. - Petty
Officer Nicholas K. Lussier
was selected to receive the
Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC)
Distinguished Service Medal after
having saved his house from
potential destruction on May 11.
While returning home from
his friend’s house, Lussier
noticed a glow coming through
the window of the living room.
Thinking that someone had lit
a candle, he looked through
the window and saw flames
instead. Lussier’s training with
the Sea Cadet Corps immedi-
ately kicked in, causing him
to run into the house and alert
everyone of the fire. When
he and his father checked the
room, the flames had already
grown two to three feet high.
As Jay Lussier searched for
the source of the fire, deter-
mining how to proceed fur-
ther, Petty Officer Lussier was
beside him with a fire extin-
guisher he had thought to
grab as he followed his father
into the room. Petty Officer
Lussier put out the fire, using
his natural instinct and Sea
Cadets training.
It was later determined that
the fire was caused by a heat-
ed sander that was previously
used to sand a new floor in the
house. Linseed oil had been
used on the floor, which then
combusted from the residual Photo by SN Michael Henderson
heat in the sander. During
the fire department’s inves-
tigation, a fire official stated GROTON, Conn. – Petty
that if Petty Officer Lussier Officer Nicholas K. Lussier
had been one minute later, poses for a picture with
and had not acted as quickly his father, Jay Lussier,
as he did, the fire would have a Sea Cadet Instructor,
been too large to put out, and after receiving the Naval
the house would have suffered Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC)
extensive damage.
Distinguished Service
When asked about the Medal at the Sea Cadet’s
event, Lussier said “I would
yearly award ceremony,
have frozen and not done any-
thing, had it not been for all I held at Naval Submarine
learned in Sea Cadets.” Petty Base New London’s
Officer Lussier’s outstanding Submarine Force Library
performance and initiative was and Museum, June 13.
instrumental in the outcome
of this potentially tragic event.
His actions bring distinct cred-
it upon himself, and were in
keeping with the highest tra-
ditions of the United States
Navy, United States Naval Sea
Cadet Corps, and Nautilus
(SSN-571) Division.
Thursday, July 29, 2010 • THE DOLPHIN • 9
10 • THE DOLPHIN • Thursday, July 29, 2010