USS Springfield Sailor Receives Proclamation from Ledyard Mayor for Act of Heroism

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

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- A USS Springfield (SSN 761) Sailor received a proclamation from the mayor of Ledyard in Groton Feb. 10 for his brave actions in rescuing a man from a burning vehicle after a two-car collision.

Mayor John Rodolico presented Chief Culinary Specialist Daniel Spencer, a native of Saegertown, Penn., with a proclamation and added that his actions that day were an act of extreme volunteerism, which is heroism.

"We always think of the Navy base in terms of the defense of our nation, but what we are seeing here today is another important role that the Navy provides and that is volunteers in our community, volunteers that make our community work," said Rodolico.

In addition, Spencer also received a certificate of heroism from the Gales Ferry Fire Company, which also named him an honorary Gales Ferry firefighter.

Spencer saved the life of a Ledyard citizen by rescuing him from a burning vehicle Jan. 18. Spencer witnessed a car driving northbound on Route 12 that swerved into the oncoming lane and resulted in a head-on collision, that ignited one of the vehicles. Spencer also assisted the other injured driver to safety despite her two broken legs until first responders from the Gales Ferry Fire Company arrived.

Spencer added that his training in the Navy, in particular the submarine force, prepared him to take action.

"Submariners are trained to take charge and take action in any sort of situation," said Spencer. "My training and instincts kicked in, and I did what needed to be done to help those in need."

Cmdr. Chris Williams, Springfield's commanding officer, reflected on Spencer's actions.

"Chief Spencer is a great Sailor and his actions are indicative of his character and commitment," said Williams. "He is an example of the high quality Sailors serving in our Navy."

Williams added that submariners are some of the most highly trained and skilled people serving in the U.S. Navy.

Spencer thanked everyone for attending the ceremony.

"I'm extremely honored that the town of Ledyard, Naval Submarine Base New London, and USS Springfield are taking the time for this occasion," said Spencer.

Springfield was built by General Dynamics Electric Boat Division and is the 50th Los Angeles-class submarine delivered to the Navy. The submarine's crew includes 15 officers and 110 enlisted Sailors.

Since its commission in 1993, Springfield has conducted eight deployments and has been awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation, along with numerous accolades for excellence in operations, engineering, navigation, weapons, retention, logistics and food service.

Submarine Squadron 4 Welcomes New Commander

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

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Submarine Squadron 4 held a change of command ceremony at Naval Submarine Base New London's Shepherd of the Sea Chapel in Groton Jan. 13.

Capt. Michael Holland relieved Capt. Michael Bernacchi.

In conjunction with the change of command, Submarine Squadron (COMSUBRON) 2 disestablished. The disestablishment consolidates all COMSUBRON 2 assigned attack submarines under Commander, Submarine Squadron (COMSUBRON) 4 and Commander, Submarine Development Squadron 12. Under the consolidation USS Springfield (SSN 761) is assigned to COMSUBRON 4; USS Dallas (SSN 700), USS Providence (SSN 719), and USS Pittsburgh (SSN 720) are assigned to COMSUBDEVRON 12.

During Bernacchi's tour as commodore, COMSUBRON 4, he transformed all squadron submarines and its crews into an advanced, finely honed fighting force capable of bringing unmatched stealth and firepower anywhere in the world in support of the nation's defense. His charge ran the gamut from complex shipyard repair and modernization projects to the most aggressive surge deployment schedule seen on the Groton waterfront in the past decade.

"Mike has a spark of leadership that is innovative," said Rear Adm. Rick Breckenridge, commander, Submarine Group 2. "He is a leader who drives for change, strives to not accept the status quo, and leads from the deckplate."

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney also attended the change of command ceremony.

Bernacchi, a native of pleasant Ridge, Mich., has been selected to be the chief of staff, COMSUBGRU 2 and will relieve Capt. Frank Lowery. As chief of staff, Bernacchi will be responsible for the daily operations for the group and managing the 27 attack submarines based in Groton and Norfolk, Va., under the cognizance of COMSUBGRU 2.

During Bernacchi's tenure as commodore, COMSUBRON 4 he helped build a strong foundation for the Navy's newest class of submarines - the Virginia-class and its significant accomplishments, such as the USS New Hampshire's (SSN 778) participation in Ice Exercise 2011, the commissioning of USS California (SSN 781) in October 2011, the christening of PCU Mississippi (SSN 782) in Groton in December 2011, and the Post Shakedown Availability and modernization of USS Missouri (SSN 780) completed ahead of schedule in January 2012.

Bernacchi praised Submarine Squadron 4 staff and the commanding officers of all boats assigned to the squadron.

"It has been an absolutely fantastic time for me where every day I had the privilege of seeing the tremendous good our Sailors and the ships they man; do for our country each and every day," said Bernacchi.

He also praised Breckenridge for his vision for the future. "Admiral, your vision of the future has been very inspiring. I didn't get where we were going with the Design until that time in your office when it was just you and me and you took the time to explain it. That was incredibly enlightening and has driven me since," said Bernacchi.

Bernacchi highlighted the Design for Undersea Warfare's impact is not only felt at the waterfront, but also with the leadership with General Dynamics Electric Boat highlighting the recent delivery of USS Missouri (SSN 780) as an indicator.

"Their willingness to embrace the design with the leadership of Mr. John Casey allowed for the early delivery of Missouri, not just ready for sea, but ready to fight. So to my Electric Boat partners thanks for all the support over the last two years," said Bernacchi.

During his naval career some of Bernacchi's significant accomplishments include earning two Battle Efficiency "E's" while serving as commanding officer aboard USS Alexandria (SSN 757), as well as the Navy League's John Paul Jones Award for Inspirational Leadership.

Bernacchi was commissioned through Officer Candidate School after graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of Detroit with a bachelor's degree in Biology. In 1993, he was assigned to the University of Michigan as part of the Advanced Education Program, where he earned Master of Science degrees in Nuclear Engineering and Industrial Engineering.

Holland, a 1987 graduate of Montana State University, a finalist for the VADM James B. Stockdale Leadership Award in 2008 and 2009, reflected on both the disestablishment of SUBRON 2 and the change of command ceremony.

"While we celebrate the history of Submarine Squadron 2 today, it's important that we recognize that we are simply taking steps to maximize our ability to keep ships of the submarine force ready to defend the nation's interests. I look forward to continuing to support those efforts as commodore of Squadron 4," said Holland.

Some of Holland's past accomplishments include commanding USS Providence (SSN 719) and earning the Battle Efficiency "E" for 2008 as well as the Arleigh Burke Trophy for the most improved unit in the Atlantic Fleet for 2007.

COMSUBRON 4 is known as the Virginia Class "Center of Excellence," assigned units include: USS New Hampshire (SSN 778), USS New Mexico (SSN 779), USS Missouri (SSN 780) and USS California (SSN 781), as well as Los Angeles Class submarines USS Miami (SSN 755), USS Hartford (SSN 768) and USS Springfield (SSN 761). Later this summer USS Virginia (SSN 774) and USS Mississippi (SSN 782) will join the squadron.