Captain Marc Denno, Commanding Officer of Naval Submarine Base New London, discussed the history and impact of the Navy and noted the force's new slogan: America's Navy - a global force for good. "I like to think of us like the Justice League," Denno said, using the analogy to explain the difference the Navy makes in the world.
Denno also noted the strength and enduring legacy of the Navy comes from strong Sailors in the service's history, like retired Lieutenant Ernest Plantz, the event's guest speaker. Plantz recounted tales of his time as a Japanese prisoner of war in a camp in Borneo. "We were always getting into trouble for breaking rules we didn't know about," he said. Nevertheless, he got a few laughs at his captors' expense, including the time when all the guards became sick after eating fish caught by the prisoners. By the time he was rescued, Plantz weighed only 80 pounds.
All prisoners of war and servicemen missing in action (POW/MIA) were remembered by a solitary table in a place of honor beside the main stage. Ensign Amanda Jones, a Supply Officer from Naval Submarine Support Facility New London, read the symbolic meaning for all the place settings on the POW/MIA table for all assembled.
As the United States Navy celebrates its 234th birthday this month, the service's legacy continues through all Sailors, old and young.
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