GROTON, Conn. - Eighteen members of the United States Naval Academy's (USNA) Dolphin Club visited Naval Submarine Base New London and General Dynamics Electric Boat last week to become more familiar with the submarine community.
The Dolphin Club is a voluntary, extracurricular activity at USNA for Midshipmen interested in a career path in submarines. The trip to Groton included a tour and briefing at Electric Boat's facility and a tour of selected Submarine School trainers.
"Doing this gets us away from the Naval Academy atmosphere and more into seeing what the whole sub community is all about," said Lt. Tom Belchik, Dolphin Club Officer Rep. "Basically, this is a hands-on experience with the submarine community rather than just sitting in the classroom during the day and talking about submarines at night."
This was the third visit and tour for Justin De Villar, a USNA senior from St. Louis. They were a big part of his decision to pursue a career within the submarine community, he said.
"I got a chance to see and interact with submariners. I got a chance to see people who were not out trying to recruit me. They were just showing me what's going on. The submariners have been a good group of people from what I've seen. That's a big part of why I chose submarining," said De Villar, who has already been selected for the submarine community.
During the visit, the Midshipmen also had an opportunity to have lunch and talk with Submarine Group Two Chief of Staff Capt. Frank Lowery and Submarine School Commanding Officer Captain Paul McHale.