Professional Documents
Culture Documents
INDEX
INSIDE
Local..............................2
Classifieds........................7
SUBASE
CMC retires
Page 3
Vol. 50, No. 3 Thursday, July 7, 2011 Serving the Military Community in Southeastern Connecticut since 1918
Sailor
runs for MS
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By Team New London
Public Affairs
GROTON, Conn.
Junes regularly sched-
uled, public meeting of
Naval Submarine Base
New Londons (SUBASE)
Restoration Advisory
Board was the last for
Richard Conant, the
SUBASE Environmental
Specialist who adminis-
tered the board for more
than a decade and made a
lasting impact on the base
and the community.
Conant retired June 30
after more than 33 years
of federal service, the
last eighteen of which
he served the bedrock of
the base Environmental
Division. There, he adept-
ly shepherded SUBASEs
Installation Restoration
Program (IRP) since 1999.
Ive seen great chang-
es and progress in the
SUBASE Environmental
Program in my nearly two
decades on-board, said
Conant. We started with
a staff of three back in the
early 1990s and ramped
up to a one-time high of
Last public meeting highlights legacy
of stalwart SUBASE environmentalist
Photo by SN Michael Henderson
GROTON, Conn. Naval Submarine Base New London (SUBASE) Environmental Director, Richard Conant, stands draped in an Army Corps
of Engineers flag, holding a dip-net, and a strand of phragmites during his retirement ceremony held at the Fishermans Restaurant in
Groton, June 21. Conant has been a fixture at SUBASE for 18 years, and has shepherded many of the bases environmental cleanup
initiatives, as well as conducted his own in the local communities. Shown (left to right) are: Commander Frank Mulcahy, Public Works
Department Officer in Charge, Andrew Stackpole, Public Works Director, and Conant.
SUBASE celebrates Independence Day
By EM3 Joel Anderson
GROTON, Conn. - June
30 - July 3 can be remem-
bered as more than just
a few days to mark off
the calendar. They can
be remembered as days
full of laughter and enjoy-
ment, as more than 15,000
patrons took part in Naval
Submarine Base New
Londons (SUBASE) twen-
ty-second annual SUBFEST
celebrating Americas
birthday last weekend.
Military personnel and
civilians enjoyed the
numerous carnival rides,
exotic animals, acrobats
and a variety of different
foods.
The annual festival,
sponsored by the bases
Morale, Welfare and
Recreation (MWR) depart-
ment, included attrac-
tions for all ages includ-
ing a Ferris wheel and a
ride called the Zipper
which spun riders around
at impressive speeds. But
thats not all that caused
thousands of people to
stop and enjoy the enter-
tainment; SUBASEs ath-
letic fields along Crystal
Lake Road, hosted festivi-
ties again this year and
Photo by EM3 Joel Anderson
GROTON, Conn. Sun sets on the Carousel at SUBFEST, on Naval Submarine Base New London (SUBASE), June 30. SUBASEs
22nd annual SUBFEST included many other rides and attractions for military and civilians of all ages. For more photos on
SUBFEST see pages 4 and 5.
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON -
Robert M. Gates is the
only man to thank two
presidents for the privi-
lege of serving as secre-
tary of defense.
At the Armed Forces
Farewell Tribute on the
Pentagons parade field
June 30, Gates thanked
President George W.
Bush for nominating him
for the job in 2006, and
President Barack Obama
for retaining him in it
during the change in
administrations in 2009.
At the ceremony,
Obama praised Gates
bipartisanship, and
awarded him the
Presidential Medal of
Freedom - the highest
award a president can
confer to a civilian.
Gates also spoke to
those who would have
the United States with-
draw from world affairs
and retreat to isolation-
ism. He took the thought
from former Defense
Secretary and Army
Chief of Staff during
World War II General
of the Army George C.
Marshall. Gates said that
once while addressing
university graduates,
Marshall extolled what
he considered the great
musts of that genera-
tion.
Marshall said the musts
included the development
of a sense of responsibil-
ity for world order and
security, and the devel-
opment of a sense of the
overwhelming impor-
tance of Americas acts
and failures to act.
Now, as when
Marshall first uttered
those words, a sense of
Americas exceptional
global responsibilities
and the importance of
what we do or do not
do remain the great
musts of this danger-
ous new century, Gates
said. It is the sacred
duty entrusted to all of
us privileged to serve in
positions of leadership
and responsibility; a duty
we should never forget
or take lightly; a duty
I have every confidence
you will all continue to
fulfill, he added.
Gates said his service
as secretary of defense
has been the greatest
honor and privilege of
my life, and for that I
will always be grateful.
The transition from
the Bush to the Obama
administration was the
first during war in nearly
40 years, Gates said, and
it showed how serious
people in both parties
came together to do good
for the country.
The collegiality, thor-
oughness and profession-
alism of the Bush-Obama
transition were of great
benefit to the country
and were a tribute to the
character and judgment
of both presidents, he
said.
When Gates arrived
in the Pentagon in
Gates ends historic term as SECDEF
Robert M. Gates
Continued on page 3
Continued on page 4
Continued on page 6
2 THE DOLPHIN Thursday, July 7, 2011
News in your community
This newspaper is an authorized publication for personnel
of the 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 Department of Defense
or the Department of the Navy.
Commanding Officer Naval Submarine Base New
London
Capt. Marc W. Denno
Executive Officer Naval Submarine Base New London
Cmdr. Michael A. Pennington
Command Master Chief Naval Submarine Base New
London
CMDCM(SS) Ray Powell
Public Affairs Officer - Christopher Zendan
Editor - Sheryl Walsh
Editorial Assistant - Christina Lough
Public Affairs Staff - MCC(SW) James ODonnell,
MC1(AW) Peter Blair, EM3 Joel Anderson
and SN Michael Henderson
NEWS - The editorial content of this newspaper is prepared,
edited and provided by the Public Affairs Office of the Naval
Submarine Base New London. News items and photos must
be received by 4 p.m. the Friday before publication. News
ideas and questions can be directed to Christopher Zendan at
694-5980. Readers can e-mail us at dolphin@ctcentral.com.
Log onto the Web site at www.dolphin-news.com.
ADDRESS - The Dolphin staff can be reached at 694-3514
or write to: The Dolphin, Naval Submarine Base New London
PAO, Box 44, Groton, CT 06349-5044. All news releases should
be sent to this address.
ADVERTISING - Advertisements are solicited by Shore
Line Newspapers and not the editorial staff or Public Affairs
Office. Inquiries regarding advertisements should be directed
to the Display Advertising or Classified Advertising depart-
ments.
Display Advertising, Laura Carpenter at (203) 752-
2704, Betsy Lemkin at (203) 752-2706 and Mercy Mosher
at (203) 752-2702
Classified Advertising (in Conn.) (800) 922-7066
Classified Advertising (outside Conn.) (203) 789-5200
The Dolphin is published every Thursday by Shoreline
Newspapers, 40 Sargent Drive, New Haven, CT 06511.
Telephone (203) 752-2701. Minimum weekly circulation
10,000.
John Slater, General Manager
Shore Line Newspapers
The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of
the Naval Submarine Base New London Public Affairs Office.
The Dolphin is published by Shoreline Newspapers, a private
firm in no way connected with the Department of Defense or
the U.S. Navy under exclusive written contract with the Naval
Submarine Base New London.
The appearance of advertising in this publication, including
inserts of supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the
Department of Defense or Shoreline Newspapers of the products
and services advertised.
Everything advertised in this publication shall be made avail-
able for purchase, 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.
New hours for
mini-mart
As a means to provide
better stewardship of your
MWR funds the lower
base min-mart now closes
earlier. The new hours for
the Lower Base Mini Mart
will be Monday through
Friday from 7 a.m. to 4
p.m. The mini-mart is
closed on weekends.
Ball fields, track
to be closed
The SUBASE athletic
fields and running track
will be closed through
July 11 for SUBFEST
breakdown.
Navy College Office
hours change
NCOs new customer
service hours are Monday
through Friday, 7 a.m. to
3:30 p.m. and proctor-
ing services begin at 7:30
a.m.
Testing for CLEP/DSST
exams remain the same
on Thursdays at 11:30
a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
NBHC booking
school physicals
Its not too early to start
booking school physicals
for the next school year!
Naval Branch Health
Clinic Groton (NBHC)
has begun conduct-
ing school physicals on
Wednesdays.
The lab will be in the
clinic to do blood work
related to the physi-
cals and parents should
bring in immunization
records on their child for
review.
If summer camp or
sports physicals are
needed, parents need
to bring those forms in
with them. The medi-
cal clinic has the blue
Connecticut State School
Physical forms on hand.
For an appointment,
call (888) NAVY MED.
Cub Scouts looking
for participants
Cub Scout Pack 40 in
Groton is seeking partici-
pants to join them. Children
in grades Kindergarten
through 4th are welcome
to join.
Scouting offers a well-
rounded program to encour-
age personal growth, respon-
sibility, confidence, social
skills, and leadership.
For additional information,
contact Dominic Rondina,
at DRondin01@yahoo.
com or http://www.
pack40cubs.50g.com/. Boy
Scout information is avail-
able as well.
Register early for
Fall Festival
If you are an artist, a
craftsman, a local business,
a local organization or a food
vendor, you can save $25
by registering for Grotons
Sixth Fall Festival now. You
must register for the early
bird discount by Aug. 5, to
be eligible.
For more information, call
(860) 572-9578 or visit gro-
tonbiz.com. All forms are
available on the site.
The Festival is scheduled
for Oct. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4
p.m., at Poquonnock Plains
Park and is a rain or shine
event.
SUBVETS announce
July meeting,events
SUBVETS Groton Base
will hold their monthly
meeting July 11 at their
clubhouse, located at 40
School Street in Groton,
at 6:30 p.m. This meeting
will include the installation
of new Base Officers for
2011 2013. All members
are encouraged to attend.
Persons interested in join-
ing SUBVETS are also wel-
come to attend.
The Groton SUBVETS
Clubhouse will be closed for
the night at 5 p.m., July 9
for the Sail-Fest Fireworks.
All events are only
open to members of U.S.
SUBVETS and their guests.
The Annual Fireworks
Picnic will be held July
9 at the Branch Home.
Tickets are now on sale
and will let you eat from
the wide selection of foods
available as well as give
you a parking space, all for
a $10 donation for adults;
children 7 and under are
free. Stop by the Club now
to reserve your spot and
get your tickets.
The next Steak Night of
the summer, hosted by the
Board of Governors, will
be held July 20 from 5:30
to 7 p.m., at the Branch
Home. Advanced paid res-
ervations are required; no
reservations will be accept-
ed after noon, July 19, and
no walk ins will be accom-
modated. Cost for the din-
ner is a donation of $15 for
adults, $7.50 for children
10 and under. A minimum
of 30 people are needed for
these dinners to be held.
Branch and Unit 20
will hold their regular
monthly meetings July
21, at the Branch Home.
Unit 20 will meet at 6
p.m. and Branch 20 will
meet at 7 p.m. All mem-
bers in good standing
are urged to attend these
meetings. Membership
in the FRA is open to
all active duty, retired,
and veterans of the sea
services, i.e., the Navy,
Marine Corps, and Coast
Guard. Membership
in the FRA Auxiliary,
or Unit, is open to all
spouses, children and
step children over age
16, parents and grand-
parents of FRA mem-
bers in good standing.
For more information,
call the Branch Home at
(860) 445-0731.
The August Board of
Directors meeting will
be held August 2, at the
Branch Home, at 6 p.m.
All Branch and Unit
members in good stand-
ing are invited at attend.
Fleet Reserve Association announces July events
Classes graduate from Naval Submarine School
Sailor runs for MS
WINDSOR, Conn. - Senior chief petty
officer Michael Altrogge, and his chil-
dren, Malia, 4, and Thomas, 1, stroll
along various vendor booths after
Michael completed the 50-mile route
at 2011 Bike MS: bkm/Steelcase
Ride Sunday, June 5, at Griffin Center
in Windsor. Michael, a Sailor at Naval
Submarine Base New London, brought
his wife, Jillian, and his two children,
who together cheered him on at
the start and finish of the ride. The
Altrogges have a family member who
is battling multiple sclerosis. Funds
raised through events, such as Bike
MS, benefit the National MS Society,
Connecticut Chapter and the more
than 6,000 Connecticut residents it
serves. Approximately 650 cyclists
participated in the June 5 ride. Thus
far the ride, which featured a second
ride in Westport, June 12, has raised
$291,000 toward a $587,000 fund-
raising goal. Fundraising continues
through July 19. For more informa-
tion on the Bike MS: bkm/Steelcase
Ride, presented by Louis Dreyfus
Commodities, or to donate to Michael
Altrogge and his fundraising efforts,
visit www.ctfightsMS.org.
Photo courtesy National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter
Mississippi Sailors amass 782 volunteer hours
By Lt. Jennifer Cragg
Commander, Submarine Group
Two Public Affairs Officer
GROTON, Conn. - The
crew of Pre-Commissioning
Unit (PCU) Mississippi
(SSN 782) amassed 782
volunteer hours through-
out New England, equal-
ing their boats hull num-
ber, June 24.
Volunteer coordinator
Machinists Mate 1st Class
(SS/SW) James Pearson
has led the boats commu-
nity service efforts since
October 2010.
When I transferred to
PCU Mississippi a couple
of other Sailors stationed
aboard collaborated on a
community service pro-
gram, explained Pearson.
After discussing it further
with our Chief of the Boat,
the plan was approved,
essentially allowing our
vision to take shape.
Pearson said that part
of his plan for their com-
mands community service
was to inform the local
community about the U.S.
Navy, and in particular,
Mississippi.
We wanted our volun-
teer program to emphasize
our interest in Connecticut
and our desire to offer our
assistance wherever nec-
essary, said Pearson.
The Sailors aboard
Mississippi have assist-
ed with countless proj-
ects, from cooking for
the SubVets in the local
area to educating students
about the military at John
B. Stanton Elementary
School.
According to Pearson,
the commands commu-
nity service has impacted
more than 10,000 people
and has had a positive
impact on their outlook
involving the local mili-
tary community.
Mississippi Sailors and
employees of Electric
Boat, the company build-
ing the boat, packed more
than 400 care packages in
their off time for deployed
Connecticut Sailors.
I would personally like
to thank you and your
shipmates for proactively
joining a partnership with
us in our care package
efforts for troops deployed
abroad, said Don Miller,
US / UK Fleet Support
and Modernization for
Electric Boat. The assis-
tance the members of PCU
Mississippi in helping to
set up and serve lunch dur-
ing our last three events
were invaluable and very
much appreciated.
One Mississippi
Sailor, who served as an
Individual Augmentee (IA)
several years ago, knew of
their generosity firsthand
and received care packag-
es while on deployment.
When I was deployed,
I was truly grateful to
receive care packages
from Electric Boat, said
Electricians Mate (SS) 1st
Class Randy Hall.
Since returning from
his IA deployment, Hall
has come full circle and
shared his experiences
during deployment and
the impact of receiving the
care packages. His experi-
ences have become a cata-
lyst for the Electric Boat
employees and Sailors
aboard Mississippi to con-
tinue supporting deployed
service members from
Connecticut.
He volunteers more
than I do and really
emphasizes to the com-
mand what an impact this
program has on troops
stationed overseas, said
Pearson.
To date, Mississippi
Sailors have assisted in
36 projects. Pearson laid
down a challenge for all
future boats at Electric
Boat to continue volun-
teering in many of these
projects, particularly help-
ing out deployed service
members.
We want all of the
branches of the military
service to know what
they do for our country
matters, said Pearson.
Their service is respected
and appreciated, and our
effort here in Connecticut
to show them is just a
small token of our appre-
ciation.
By William Kenny
SECF
GROTON, Conn. -
Thirty-seven Sailors of
Class 11060 graduated from
the Submarine Electronics
Computer Field, SECF,
Apprentice course, June
23.
The SECF A school
combines a core curriculum
of Electronics, Fire Control
and Sonar Technician
skills and abilities while
emphasizing team training
and cross rating familiar-
ization.
Sonar Technician 2nd
Class (SS) Daniel Williams,
Electronics Technician 1st
Class (SS) Jesse Reed and
Fire Control Technician
1st Class (SS) Jevaughn
Bishop were instructors.
Fire Control Technician
Seaman Apprentice
Christopher Bynum was
Class Honorman.
Sonar Technician
Seaman Kuis Cabrera,
ETSN Darrell Hicks and
FTSA Christopher Meraz
were Graduates with
Distinction.
ETSA Richard Putthoff
and STSSN Cody Dunlap,
together with FTSA
Christopher Bynum, were
meritoriously advanced
because of their academic
performance.
SOAC
GROTON, Conn. -
Twenty members of Class
11020 graduated from
the Submarine Officer
Advanced Course (SOAC),
June 24.
The L. Y. Spear Award
was presented to the Class
Honor Graduate, Lieutenant
Matthew Beach, USS
Oklahoma City (SSN 723).
Lt. Russell Jones, USS
Missouri (SSN 780),
received the David Lloyd
Award for Excellence.
Lt. Daniel Morrison, USS
Ohio (SSGN 726) (Gold),
was recipient of the Armed
Forces Communications
and Electronics Award.
Both Beach and Morrison
were Graduates with
Distinction.
Lt. Heath Brown received
the SOAC Outstanding
Instructor Award.
The USS John Adams (SSBN 620)
reunion committee will host a reunion
at the Radisson Hotel in New London,
Conn., Aug. 10 to 13. There will be a ban-
quet dinner, Aug. 12. The committee has
arranged for a group rate at the hotel for
the reunion. All crew members may call
the hotel to make reservations at (800)
333-3333 and let them know you are with
the John Adams Reunion.
For more information, e-mail
johnadams620b@yahoo.com.
Sub reunion scheduled
Movie review: Transformers: Dark of the Moon
By MC1(AW) Peter D. Blair
GROTON, Conn. In
true Michael Bay fashion,
Transformers: Dark of
the Moon is filled with
high energy, great explo-
sions and a decent story-
line. With amazing special
effects and a great cast of
actors, it is a true block-
buster for 2011.
In the final installment
of the Transformers saga,
Dark of the Moon sees
the world overrun by
Decepticons who have
been lying dormant for
years until transported to
Earth by a space bridge
that is used to transport
Cybertron itself to Earth
and enslave the human
race. The only ones
that can turn the tide
are Optimus Prime, the
Autobots and a handful of
brave humans.
The movie plays out
much like the previous
two, with a few twists,
some foul language and
lots of explosions. It starts
a little slow, but once the
action starts, it doesnt
stop until the very end.
With some new Autobots
and Decepticons, includ-
ing some of the original
cartoon characters like
Laserbeak, Shockwave
and Mirage, Dark of the
Moon if a fitting conclu-
sion to the trilogy.
Overall, Dark of the
Moon is a good movie,
though some of the act-
ing is subpar. The movie
deserves the PG-13 rating,
as some of the language
being a little harsh for
younger viewers, but if
you are looking for that
great summer blockbuster,
it will do nicely.
Thursday, July 7, 2011 THE DOLPHIN 3
Powell says farewell to SUBASE, not an easy day
By MC1(AW) Peter D. Blair
GROTON, Conn. - After
24 years of Naval Service,
Command Master Chief
Raymond Powell said fare-
well to his military family
July 1, as he retired from the
Navy. Powell spent nearly
his entire career at Naval
Submarine Base New London
(SUBASE) and its tenant
commands. The friendships
forged were evident as more
than 160 friends and family
members came to the Groton
Elks Lodge to help send him
ashore one final time.
Powell joined the Navy
in 1987 and managed to
accomplish something few
Sailors do, he spent his entire
career serving in one region,
going from sea duty to shore
duty, all at SUBASE.
Hes been the heart and
soul of SUBASE for the past
three years..., said Captain
Marc W. Denno, SUBASEs
Commanding Officer. And
for the last two years hes
been my COB (Chief of the
Boat), my mentor, and most
importantly my friend.
During the ceremony,
friends and family shared
some of their fondest memo-
ries of Powell, retired Master
Chief Big Al Atkinson,
Master Chief Kerri Meng,
and Powells brother-in-law
all shared some of their times
with him. Each story not
only garnered laughs from
the crowd, but showed how
his friends and shipmates
respected him.
After receiving his end-of-
tour award from Denno and
the National Ensign from
the passing of the flag cer-
emony, Master Chief Powell
stepped to the microphone
to say his farewell to those
he had served with during
his career. Although a little
choked up, Powell thanked
as many people as he could,
stating that he hadnt written
a speech and it was all com-
ing from inside.
I want to thank everyone
here today, said Powell. In
one way or another, each
of you has had an impact
on my time in Groton and I
have met a lot of great people
during my time here.
During his three years
at SUBASE Powell led the
enlisted community, boost-
ing morale among the troops
and guiding them to success.
Through his leadership and
hands-on approach, SUBASE
succeeded at every turn, win-
ning awards and accolades,
like the 2011 Commander
Navy Region Mid-Atlantic
(CNRMA) Installation
Excellence Award.
Everything we do
impacts mission, said
Powell. I cant stress the
importance of teamwork,
job accomplishment, and
mission readiness enough.
You cant have one without
having the other. Each is
a fuel and when you have
them all, you have the fire.
Powell served onboard
USS Philadelphia (SSN 690),
USS Annapolis (SSN 760),
USS Alexandria (SSN 757)
and USS San Juan (SSN 751).
His shore duty tours include,
Mobile Technical Unit 4,
Commander Submarine
Development Squadron
(DEVRON) 12, and as the
Command Master Chief at
SUBASE.
Photo by MC1(AW) Peter D. Blair
GROTON, Conn. Retired Master Chief Raymond Powell salutes as he walks through the side boys during his July 1 retirement ceremony.
Powell escorted his family through the side boys the second time through however the side boys were replaced by his fellow retired
Chiefs and he donned a hula shirt.
RAYMOND J. RIGAT
ATTORNEY AT LAW
FORMER NAVY JAG
860-442-068 or 860-887-9467
COURTS - MARTIAL
ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATION HEARINGS
CAR ACCIDENTS / PERSONAL INJURY
CRIMINAL TRIALS / APPEALS
EVENING & WEEKEND
APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE
FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION
* licensed in: CT, RI, MA, NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD, DC and VA
DATE(S) TIME
The FollowingClasseswill beheldinthe ExecutiveConferenceRoom
(Locatedonthe FirstFloor behind theQuarter Deck)
unlessotherwise specified
1. TobaccoCessation 07, 14, 28 JUL (Thursday) 1100-1230
2. Diabetes Education 25JUL (Monday) 1430-1530
3. Diabetes Nutrition 05 JUL (Tue) (Room4042) 1400-1600
4. Diabetes Support Group 25 JUL (Monday) 1300-1400
5. Healthy Hear t Class 08JUL (Friday) 0830-1 030
27 JUL (Wed.) (Room 4040) 1400-1600
6. WeightManagemen t 21 JUL (Thurs) (Room4040 ) 1000-1130
28JUL (Thurs) (Galley) 1000-1130
7. BariatricClass (By referral only) 12 JUL (Tuesday) 1400-1600
8. Bariatric Support Group 01 JUL (Friday) 0930-1100
9. GAMEPLAN ByAppointment Ongoing
(Lifestyle Modificationforbetterhealth; weight loss)
10. Unit Specific GMT ByAppointment Ongoing
11. ShipShape(AD Only) By Appointment Ongoing
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE SUN BY WEARING
SUNGLASSES
HAT
SUNSCREEN
Phone: 860.694.3104
Fax: 860.694.5585
Educational Services
Offered:
* Weight Management
* HealthyHeart
* Blood Pressure
* DiabetesEducation
* General Nutrition
* Tobacco Cessation
ByAppointment
* Game Plan (Lifestyle
Modification Program)
* Glucometer Education
Contact: 694-2379
Active DutyOnly:
* ShipShape
* General Military
Training (at your
location)
JULY2011 Offerings
SUNSAFETYMONTH
nearly twenty as the Navy
fully committed to envi-
ronmental stewardship.
His retirement is some-
what bittersweet as the
base nears the final phases
of the program which com-
bines aggressive cleanup
policies with modern tech-
nology to restore and pre-
serve property under Navy
stewardship. The success of
the program will ultimate-
ly see the base removed
from the federal Superfund
list of the nations most
polluted sites, where it has
been since 1990.
Under Conants leader-
ship of the program, the
Navy has spent more than
$70 million on remedia-
tion efforts at the base. If
the current schedule holds
and restoration remedies
continue to prove effec-
tive, the base could be
taken off the Superfund
list in 2014.
At the June public meet-
ing, Conant offered fare-
well remarks to the Navy,
public, and community
team that have taken such
an interest and contrib-
uted so tremendously to
the IRPs success.
This has been a big,
complex and successful
program, and I consider
myself lucky to have been
involved, said Conant.
But of course, I didnt do
it alone. Theres always
been great partnership
and collaboration. From
EPA to the state DEP to
the dedicated commu-
nity members who sit
on Restoration Advisory
Board, weve made the dif-
ference together.
Conants efforts to make
a difference extended
beyond the IRP.
He tutored grade-school
students for more than 15
years in the local school
system, helping with read-
ing and mathematics, and
conducting writing work-
shops. Conant received
the Groton Friend of
Education Award in 2010
for his commitment.
He also coordinated com-
munity projects over the
last four years in support
of the bases Annual Earth
Day Challenge. Through
these yearly more than
week long efforts, Conant
and hundreds of Navy
volunteers participated in
environmental projects
across the community:
from cleaning up trails
and shorelines at parks
and beaches, to picking
up debris and removing
invasive plant species at
land conservancies.
As he turns to the next
chapter in his impactful
life, Dick Conant leaves
a tremendous legacy at
SUBASE, said Commander
Frank Mulcahy, the base
Public Works Officer.
Whether leading the base
to the light at the end of the
tunnel in the Restoration
Program or reading a book
with a youngster at Fitch
Middle School, Dick has
been dedicated to mak-
ing a difference. A biolo-
gist by education and an
environmental specialist
by profession, he is truly
a public servant at heart.
Our Navy, base, and com-
munity are all the better
for his devoted service.
Conant, as his fashion,
thought of others.
Its been a great run for
me, and I wish everyone
the best as SUBASE moves
into the 21st century as
a dynamic and forward-
looking DoD installation,
he concluded.
Continued from page 1
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