NEW LONDON, Conn. (WTNH) — Celebrating 100 years of U.S. Navy history in Connecticut. On Tuesday, Navy and state leaders gathered in New London to celebrate the centennial of the naval submarine base and naval sub school.
“It was April 11, 1868 when the deed of gift from the State of Connecticut was signed, conveyed and presented to Secretary of the Navy, a Glastonbury native, Gidean Wells,” said Lt. Commander Reg Preston, Director of the Submarine Force Museum.
Preston said that due to the foresight, hardwork and determination, the United State Navy had a 5,200-foot long, 700-foot wide foothold on the Thames River.
“The synergy that exists in Groton is the envy of all others in the Navy,” said Rear Admiral Jeff Trussler, Commander, Undersea Warfighting Development Center.
Trussler says that Groton, the submarine capitol of the world, is one of the crown jewels of our nation’s defense.
“I want to say to all of you who have served, all of you who have sacrificed, all of you who have made a difference in this base, in this Navy, this nation, thank you and congratulations for all that you have done,” said Governor Dannel Malloy.
