Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Russ Smith visited Naval Submarine Base New London and General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton Feb. 24, alongside Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Sen. Chris Murphy and Congressman Joe Courtney, Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces.

While at Naval Submarine Base New London, CNO and MCPON visited the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Colorado (SSN 788), which returned from its first deployment, Feb. 20.

“It’s an honor to welcome home the Colorado crew from their maiden deployment,” said Gilday. “The work they did during the past six months in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility was absolutely critical to helping us keep the maritime commons free and open.”

Following the visit to USS Colorado, Gilday and Smith toured General Dynamics Electric Boat alongside the three Members of Congress.

“I was proud to welcome CNO Adm. Gilday to Groton and spend time with our Navy leaders and the skilled workers at Electric Boat,” said U.S. Senator Chris Murphy. “It’s clear they all work tirelessly to make sure our submarine fleet is ready for any mission. Today’s visit was a critical reminder of how important it is for the United States to invest in our submarine fleet and industrial base to make sure we are prepared for decades to come. Our Navy is in good hands.”

While at Electric Boat, they saw how their operations directly support the maintenance and modernization of the U.S. Navy’s submarine fleet.

“I’ll use this opportunity— and every other chance— to advocate for full investment in our submarine program, including funding for a second sub next year,” said U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal. “Our nation and the skilled, dedicated workers making those subs deserve that certainty. I am proud to welcome Admiral Gilday to southeastern Connecticut, and appreciate his recognition of Connecticut’s long history of supporting our servicemembers. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I look forward to working with the Navy to ensure robust funding to support the submarine fleet and the defense industrial base this budget cycle.”

They were also able to view the assembly, testing, and delivery of the Virginia and Columbia class submarines, which is the Navy’s number one acquisition priority.

“Today’s visit comes at an important time for our region and for the Navy, and I can attest that Admiral Gilday saw a shipyard that is ready to execute our nation’s undersea priorities,” Chairman Courtney said. “Right now, the shipyard is a beehive of activity supporting the two attack submarines per year in our Virginia-class program, as well as the commencement this year on production of the new Columbia-class program. We saw today a highly skilled workforce up to the task of meeting the Navy’s priorities. One of the most immediate ways to bolster that workforce is to reverse the recent furloughs in the metal trades. Accelerating the contract process between the Navy and EB to re-deploy the furloughed workers to other shipyards that have open billets. Both agreed to redouble their efforts to fix this gap.”

This visit follows Gilday’s recent trip to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Dec. 20, where he saw the overhaul, repair, modernization, and defueling of Los Angeles and Virginia Class submarines.

“The incredible work our Sailors and Electric Boat workforce are doing here ensures our submarine fleet is prepared to accomplish their critical mission,” said Gilday. “Their expertise and commitment to our Navy is essential to keeping us lethal and ready to fight.”

Gilday and Smith also visited Naval Submarine Support Center Medical Clinic while at the naval station in order to see how mental health providers are helping Sailors build resiliency.

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