USS Mississippi CO Speaks with NROTC Midshipmen

VILLANOVA, Penn. (NNS) -- The commanding officer of the Virginia-class attack submarine USS Mississippi (SSN 782) visited with midshipmen from two Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) units in Pennsylvania, March 19.

"I love sharing our submarine force history and current operations with midshipmen," said Capt. John McGrath, commanding officer, USS Mississippi. "We offer a highly rewarding career path and I enjoy telling them why I feel they should give it every consideration."

During McGrath's one-day visit he met and mentored midshipmen attending Villanova and University of Pennsylvania. Lt. Tim Rustico, Villanova NROTC Unit Sophomore Advisor emphasized the importance of senior naval officers mentoring the next generation of submarine officers.

"I can't overstate how important it was to have Capt. McGrath speak with my midshipmen about submarines today," said Rustico. "It's his expertise and vast experience that truly provided my students with a strong understanding of what it's like to be a commanding officer of the Navy's newest and most powerful submarine asset. Frankly, he made my job of recruiting the best submarine candidates easy."

McGrath, a native of Neptune, N.J., leads a crew of about 142 officers and enlisted personnel. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1990, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering.

Mississippi, commissioned in June 2012, is designed to dominate both the littorals and deep oceans. Mississippi serves as a valuable asset in supporting the core capabilities of maritime strategy, sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence.

For more news from Commander Submarine Group 2, visit www.navy.mil/local/Subgru2/.