Navy crew helps renovate Ledge Lighthouse

GROTON, Conn. (AP) — The Ledge Lighthouse at the entrance to New London harbor has gotten a facelift with some help from some U.S. Navy volunteers.

Fifteen sailors assigned to a submarine that will be commissioned as the USS North Dakota did painting and renovation work on the historic lighthouse on Sept. 12.

The submarine's executive officer, Lt. Cmdr. Jeremiah Minner, said the lighthouse often marks a submarine crew's mental transition to an at-sea posture as they travel down the river from the base in Groton.

The lighthouse was built in 1909 and the foundation that maintains it relies heavily on volunteer support. Foundation president Todd Gipstein said the Navy crew provided valuable help.

The North Dakota is expected to be commissioned in 2014. Upon completion it will be 7,800 tons and 377 feet long.