Rep. McCarty Honors and Remembers Connecticut's Veterans and Active Service Members

GROTON – State Representative Kathleen McCarty (R-38) visited the pier of the historic USS Nautilus submarine at the Naval Submarine base in Groton twice within the past two weeks to celebrate veterans and the base’s centennial.

The ceremony to honor and remember Connecticut’s veterans was held on June 17 and featured an invocation by EMCM (SS) Jack Gallimore, USN (ret.) Chaplain, and key note speech by Rear Admiral Jeffrey E. Trussler; a veteran’s salute, a shipmate’s remembrance ceremony, a benediction and a rifle volley.

“I was honored to be a part of this ceremony with fellow lawmakers,” said Rep. McCarty, who served in the Civil Air Patrol. “We had a beautiful day to pay tribute to the sacrifice and dedication that countless men and women have made to our country.”

Less than a week later, on June 21, the base and Naval Submarine School held a convocation celebrating the centennial of Connecticut’s naval service to the United States. The base in Groton was the first permanent continental submarine base in the United States when it opened on June 21, 1916, making Groton the “Submarine Capital of the World,” and a true crown jewel of our nation’s defense. During this event, a 100-year submarine watch ended, and a new one began with a 19 gun salute.

“This was such a monumental event for southeastern Connecticut, I wouldn’t have missed it!” said Rep. McCarty. “I am proud of our naval history, as well as the forces and ships that are still deployed today from our local shoreline. There are so many men and women who come from all over the country to live and serve here, and it’s a pleasure for me to represent their best interests in the state legislature. Best wishes to the U.S. Navy for a safe and prosperous 100 years to come.”

For more information about the Submarine Force Museum – home of the Nautilus – please visit www.submarinemuseum.org.