SUB BASE TO HOST SESQUICENTENNIAL EVENT WEDNESDAY
Groton — State and local officials will join the Navy in celebrating a milestone 150 years in the making — the “Sesquicentennial” of a U.S. Navy installation in Connecticut — during a special event at 1 p.m. on April 11 at the Historic Ship Nautilus and Submarine Force Museum.
Naval Submarine Base New London had its beginning as a naval yard and storage depot on April 11, 1868, when a Deed of Gift from the State of Connecticut and City of New London was signed, conveyed, and presented to Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles.
Featured speakers for the event are anticipated to be Mayor Michael Passero of the City of New London; Bob Ross, executive director of Connecticut’s Office of Military Affairs; Rear Adm. James Pitts, commander of the Undersea Warfighting Development Center; and Capt. Paul Whitescarver, commanding officer of the base.
During the celebration, the Navy will also mark the birthday of the U.S. Submarine Force. On April 11, 1900, 118 years ago, the U.S. Navy purchased the Holland VI, a 53-foot long, 10 1/4-foot diameter, experimental submarine from John P. Holland and the Holland Torpedo Boat Co. It would become the nation’s first commissioned submarine, USS Holland, and the forerunner of the modern U.S. Submarine Force.
The celebration will include ceremonial bell ringing: ringing out another year of base and submarine force service to the nation, and ringing in a new year of service. A cake cutting and cake for all attendees will conclude the festivities.
This special celebration is free and open to the public. are encouraged to attend.
The post is hosting breakfast on April 15 from 8 to 11 a.m. The event is open to the public. There will be a ham and bean dinner on April 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. That event is also open to the public.