Connecticut Congressional Delegation Introduce Resolutions Recognizing State’s 100 Years of Leadership in Supporting U.S. Submarine Capabilities

(Washington, DC) - Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and U.S. Reps. John Larson (D-1), Joe Courtney (D-2), Rosa DeLauro (D-3), Jim Himes (D-4), and Elizabeth Esty (D-5) introduced resolutions in the U.S. Senate and House, respectively, to recognize Connecticut’s 100 years of dedication and contributions to the country’s naval and submarine capabilities. Over the past century, since the Naval Submarine Base New London was established in 1915, Connecticut has been a leading state in designing, manufacturing, and sustaining the U.S. Navy’s submarine fleet.

“This resolution recognizes Connecticut’s 100 years of dedication and diligence in ensuring that our country builds the world’s best submarines,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Our warfighters at sea should never face a fair fight. Superiority is assured by the stealthiest, strongest submarine force on the planet, built in Connecticut. Connecticut has shown a century of steadfast commitment to producing the best submarines in the world and continue lead in safeguarding freedom and democracy – keeping our economy growing and our nation safe.”

“I’m thrilled to introduce legislation to celebrate our Submarine Century and commemorate the 100 year heritage of submarines in Connecticut. Last week, I helped kick off the celebrations by accompanying the crew of the USS California, a Virginia-class submarine, back to New London from their most recent deployment,” said Senator Murphy. “For me, this year’s Submarine Century is about more than just acknowledging our past; it’s about committing to the promising future of Connecticut manufacturing. Now is the time to commit to making new investments in job training and technology that will make the next 100 years of Connecticut’s submarine heritage just as successful as the last.”

“100 years ago, on October 18, 1915, the submarine heritage in eastern Connecticut was born.  On that day, the submarine tender USS Ozark brought three G-class submarines to the Groton Navy Yard,” said Congressman Courtney. “The ensuing decades of undersea Groton excellence – through two World Wars, the Cold War, and today’s emerging maritime threats — have proven the wisdom of that long ago vision.  Indeed, just a few weeks ago the Navy officially unveiled the Undersea Warfighting Development Center, which marks another in the century of significant ties between Connecticut and the Navy. This resolution honors the legacy of the important relationship between the U.S. Navy and eastern Connecticut, and I am pleased to introduce the resolution today alongside my delegation colleagues.

“This is a tremendous milestone for Connecticut, the Navy, and our longstanding commitment to national security,” said Congressman Larson. “Connecticut has played a proud and pivotal role in building and maintaining the most advanced submarine fleet in the world. We are safer as a nation thanks to the dedicated personnel of the Naval Submarine Base in New London, and I thank them all for their service.”

“I am proud to help recognize Connecticut’s Submarine Century, rightly honoring our rich century-long history intertwined with our nation’s first submarine base,” said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3). “In the past 100 years, our state has been a reliable and dedicated source, serving the United States Navy’s submarine force with the utmost distinction and integrity.”

“As the world’s leader in both trade and military power, the United States is more dependent on access to safe and secure shipping and oceans that any other country on Earth,” said Congressman Himes. “It is because of the men and women who protect our waters that we are able to enjoy these freedoms. The Naval Submarine Base at New London has done an incredible job of training and educating generations of submariners and I am proud to help recognize its distinguished history in our state and nation and to thank those who serve in uniform for their continued dedication and sacrifice.”

“This year, Connecticut has the opportunity to show the rest of the world what we have long known. Connecticut is second-to-none in producing the world’s best submarines and most professional submariners that are instrumental in keeping our oceans safe,” said Congresswoman Esty. “Connecticut’s Submarine Century is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of the countless men and women who have made our state an indispensable part of our national defense."

Specifically, the Senate and House resolutions:

(1)   Commends the long standing dedication and contribution to the Navy and submarine force by the people of Connecticut, both through the Naval Submarine Base New London and through the state’s on-going commitment to support the mission of the base and the Navy personnel assigned to it;

(2)   Honors the submariners who have trained and served at Naval Submarine Base New London throughout its history in support of the Nation’s security and undersea superiority;

(3)   Recognizes the contribution of the industry and workforce of Connecticut in designing, building, and sustaining the Navy’s submarine fleet; and

(4)   Encourages the recognition of Connecticut’s Submarine Century by Congress, the Navy, and the American people by honoring the contribution of the people of Connecticut to the defense of the United States and the important role of the submarine force in safeguarding the security of the United States for more than a century.

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