Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter visited Naval Submarine Base New London, toured Virginia-class fast attack submarine, and met with Sailors as well as senior submarine community leaders May 24.

Carter learned firsthand about the operational capabilities of the Virginia-class, fast-attack submarine during a tour of USS New Mexico (SSN 779). New Mexico Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Daniel J. Reiss and his crew demonstrated the increased operational capabilities and efficiencies the Virginia-class submarine offers over previous Los Angeles-class submarine.

Carter called the United States' undersea superiority one of our greatest military strengths, but made clear that that superiority is not a birthright.

"We have to work at it," said Carter. "We have to spend money on it, which we're going to do, and will do. We have to be innovative in technology, and we have to have really good people."

Carter started his tour by speaking with junior officers from the Naval Submarine School. Over lunch the officers shared their thoughts and experiences within the submarine community.

Following lunch Carter met with and was briefed by senior leaders within the submarine community.

Carter then held an all-hands call with Sailors from Regional Support Group, Groton, Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768) and New Mexico.

Before taking questions, Carter told the group the work they do as submariners reaches far, including into the campaign to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. He went on to say the United States must retain its lead over the capabilities of countries like Russia and China, while keeping a vigilant watch over Iran and North Korea.

"Protecting the nation and much of the world is a U.S. duty because of the challenges and opportunities that exist," Carter said.

Carter credited military members as the principle reason for the United States' military dominance.

"We...have the finest fighting force the world has ever known, principally because of the quality of our people," said Carter.

He also said maintaining our role as the world's finest fighting force requires the United States to have a competitive mentality and to always think, innovate, absorb the newest technology, look outside the walls and be willing to embrace new ideas.

Carter gave himself and senior military leaders the task of retaining the quality military members already serving, and attracting more good people to follow in their footsteps.

He expressed his appreciation for the Sailors' sacrifices saying, "I don't take for granted that you are here. I very much appreciate it. You're talented people."

Carter also praised the dedicated service members who continue to sacrifice while serving in the military, because they love it -- the mission, their shipmates and their country.

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