CNO Returns to the Submarine Capital of the World, Discusses Future of the U.S. Navy

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert visited Naval Submarine Base New London, the Submarine Capital of the World, and spoke with more than 1,300 Sailors during an all hands call, Aug. 22.

During the nearly two-hour conversation with Groton-based Sailors, which was streamed live online via livestream.com, Greenert spoke on a variety of topics to include undersea dominance, cyber warfare, future manning levels and the future of the force as a whole.

"This is a great opportunity for Sailors across the U.S. Navy Fleet to watch the all hands call, join the conversation and ask questions through the live chat feature on the website," said Greenert in a Facebook post a few days prior to the event. During the conversation, Greenert also took questions both from the audience and online viewers.

While addressing the packed auditorium at Dealey Center, Greenert reflected on returning to Naval Submarine Base New London, where his professional career began.

"This is like coming home," said Greenert, who added that the last time he sat in the auditorium at Dealey; he watched the popular movie, the Matrix.

"I was professionally born here and all submariners are born in Groton, Conn., at the Naval Submarine Base," said Greenert. "This is where we build and launch our submarines to go to sea and this is the place where we intellectually build our submariners."

Greenert added that having the base in proximity to where we launch our submarines "on time and under budget" is also where "we launch our best minds" of the submarine force.

Greenert also reflected on how the Naval Submarine base has evolved and its importance to the U.S. Navy and submarine force.

"We must continue to own the undersea domain," said Greenert.

The CNO also discussed the Navy's shift to the Asia-Pacific Region and the submarine force's role.

"We are rebalancing to the Asia Pacific that is the key part of our maritime defense strategy and another key part of the defense strategy is we have to own the undersea domain which is very clearly written and the submarine force is the centerpiece of that," said Greenert.

Before the all hands call began, the CNO reenlisted six Sailors from Naval Submarine Base New London assigned commands. He thanked the Sailors families for their ongoing support.

"Thank you for your support of your son or daughter," said Greenert, who instructed all Sailors to call, text or email their mothers this week and thank them for her support.

The Sailors who were reenlisted by the CNO include: Information Technology Submarines Second Class (SS) Timothy E. Cockrell, USS San Juan (SSN 751); Logistics Specialist Second Class (SS) Andrew J. Jolley, USS San Juan (SSN 751); Engineman Second Class John C. Kovac III, Naval Submarine Base New London Port Operations; Personnel Specialist Second Class Shana L. Michaud, Naval Operational Support Center New London; Logistics Specialist Third Class Rafael Munoz, USS Dallas (SSN 700), and Electronics Technician Third Class Nestor Gallardo, Naval Submarine Support Facility.

Prior to the all-hands call, the CNO also met with Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Congressman Joe Courtney (D-CT) at Naval Submarine Base New London.

During the CNO's visit to the base, he also saw firsthand the continuing infrastructure improvements to include a 500-foot-long, 65-foot-wide pier; a six-lane, synthetic track and field with a 400-meter rubberized surface; and a high-tech, 20-lane indoor small arms range.

USS Missouri Changes Commanders

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Virginia-class attack submarine USS Missouri (SSN 780), held a change of command ceremony aboard the submarine at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton April 20.

Cmdr. Mike Luckett relieved Cmdr. Tim Rexrode during the time-honored ceremony.

"Today is about the Missouri officers and crew because they are the ones actually did everything over the past three years," said Rexrode. "The Submarine Force gave me the opportunity to lead a tremendously talented wardroom and crew - one that I think is the very best."

Capt. Mike Bernacchi, chief of staff, commander, Submarine Group 2 served as guest speaker and praised Rexrode for his accomplishments while in command of Missouri.

"Tim has been here since the commissioning and he leaves behind the most advanced warship," said Bernacchi. "Tim will be remembered for his leadership he has shown while in command of this marvelous warship."

Rexrode was also recognized for his place in history as the commissioning commanding officer of USS Missouri.

"As the commissioning commanding officer of one of the nation's premier warships, you have fulfilled the submarine force's rich and demanding tradition in bringing a ship to life. I am proud of you and your team's execution in accomplishing this demanding task," Vice Adm. John Richardson, commander, Submarine Forces Atlantic said in a naval message praising Rexrode for his achievements.

Rexrode, who first began his career as a submariner was stationed, at that time, on the oldest submarine USS Gato (SSN 615), and was proud to have served and commanded the newest Virginia-class submarine.

"While the capabilities and the mastery of technology may have changed, but the very essence of submarining hasn't changed," said Rexrode. "We all seek to serve the American people and submarines are designed to be at sea for the sole purpose of defending our nation and Missouri will fulfill that commitment under her new leadership."

While addressing his crew, Rexrode reminded them of the three lessons he shared with them since day one when he assumed command and thanked them for "buying into his principles."

"I asked only three things of you when I assumed command and told you these would define success," said Rexrode. "Do your best to do your job right; understand when you don't or can't do it right and tell someone, and treat each other right."

During the ceremony, Rexrode received a proclamation from the office of Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon's which recognized Rexrode's position as the submarine's first commanding officer.

"It's an honor that the state of Missouri has bestowed this recognition, I'm deeply humbled," said Rexrode. "I remain proud and honored to have been USS Missouri's newest namesake ship's first commanding officer."

Rexrode also received a flag that was flown over the Missouri capitol.

During Rexrode's tour as commanding officer, Missouri completed a post-shakedown availability sea trials and extended modernization a month ahead of schedule.

"While in command, USS Missouri was delivered early from PSA, which was a 'first ever' accomplishment in the Virginia-class program," said Rexrode.

Rexrode, born in West Virginia, he graduated with honors from West Virginia University in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering and was commissioned through Officer Candidate School. Rexrode's next assignment will be with a senior member of the Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board for Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk.

"You have the greatest group of Sailors and officers in the force and a fine submarine," said Rexrode to Luckett during the ceremony.

Luckett, a Banning, California native, has previously served as executive officer of USS Pennsylvania (GOLD) (SSBN 735) home ported in Bangor, Wash., looks forward to taking command.

"There's a huge amount of potential here," said Luckett. "Our next major milestone is to complete our readiness for warfighting and pick-up where Cmdr. Rexrode has left off and use it to get our crew ready to deploy."

Luckett added that taking command of Missouri is the highlight of his career.

"I'm ecstatic to be in command of such a great ship," said Luckett. "I'm proud and humbled to take her on her first deployment."

Luckett holds several degrees to include a Master of Science degree in Strategy and Joint Campaign Planning; Master of Science degree in Leadership and Human Resource Development from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Master of Engineering degree in Naval Architecture and Offshore Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. He also graduated with distinction from United States Naval Academy in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Naval Architecture.

Missouri is the seventh submarine of the Virginia class. General Dynamics Electric Boat delivered the submarine to the U.S. Navy in July 2010. The submarine's crew consists of about 134 officers and enlisted personnel. Missouri is the fifth Navy ship to be named in honor of the people of the "Show Me State."

Norwich University Midshipmen Spend a Day Learning About the Submarine Force

Check out these great NROTC books written by actual cadets who served as naval officers!

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Submarine Group Two Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Thirty four midshipmen from Norwich University, in Northfield, Vermont, traded a day in the classroom for a day at Naval Submarine Base New London, Conn., Oct. 7.

Rear Adm. Rick Breckenridge, commander, Submarine Group Two, met with the visiting midshipmen during their visit to briefly discuss the submarine force.

"Opportunities to meet with the next generation of naval officers from universities such as Norwich is a sense of pride for me, especially those who plan to pursue the submarine force upon their commissioning," said Breckenridge.

Breckenridge shared his path into the U.S. Navy with the midshipmen. "As a lobsterman son from Massachusetts, my big break was acceptance into the U.S. Naval Academy," said Breckenridge.

Breckenridge, who received a degree in Aerospace Engineering, shared his selection into the nuclear power pipeline and the importance of being one of the final midshipmen interviewed by Adm. Hyman Rickover to currently serving as commander of Group Two.

"Who we are and what we do as an undersea force is invaluable to the country and will only grow in its importance as you join the fleet," said Breckenridge. "This is an important moment in history for all of us who serve our nation."

During their visit to the submarine base, the midshipmen visited the Naval Submarine School's Damage Control Trainer, visited the Ship Control Operations Trainer and toured the Virginia-class submarine USS New Hampshire (SSN 778).

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Lawrence Oliver, commanding officer of the Norwich University Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) unit, participated in the base tour and highlighted the importance of these types of visits.

"Norwich University NROTC unit actively seeks out opportunities to expose our midshipmen to life in the naval services, both Navy and Marine Corps. This exposure is a combination of centrally mandated academic year instruction, highlighted by summer training evolutions, as well as less formal events and training venues organized by individual NROTC units. Our trip to Submarine Group Two is an example of the latter," said Oliver.

Prior to his present assignment, Oliver was assigned as the Marine tactical air force analyst in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Cost Assessment and Program Analysis from June 2009 to June 2011. Oliver added that visits to Naval Submarine Base New London will directly impact their Midshipmen's decision regarding service selection and career path.

"It is visits like this that allow our midshipmen the opportunity to have 'hands on' experience with actual training equipment and systems. These type of venues, along with more formal NROTC events, afford the young midshipmen a unique perspective that will facilitate their follow-on service," said Oliver. "Additionally, given the nascent nature of our midshipmen, a positive experience, such as Groton, goes a long-way in peaking interest and motivation in their pursuit of a commission."

Lt. Mike Piazza, USS Alexandria (SSN 757) and Lt. j.g. Mark Czynski, USS Pittsburgh (SSN 720), both midshipman training officers assisted with the tour.

"I attended Norwich University before being accepted into the U.S. Naval Academy, and my participation with the NROTC students today is to convey the best of our submarine force has to offer because of its tight-knit crew," said Piazza.

Czynski highlighted the inherent capability of our undersea forces. "I always appreciate the opportunity to share how talented and motivated our submariners are because it helps us attract the kind of leaders we need in the submarine force."

Norwich University was founded in 1819 by Capt. Alden Partridge, as the first private military college in the United States and the birthplace of the nation's ROTC program.