"I view our Submarine Force history here in Southeastern Connecticut for the last 100 years as some of the finest."
Capt. Paul Whitescarver
Naval Submarine Base New London has a new leader. U.S. Navy Captain Paul Whitescarver, formerly of Norfolk, Virginia, is the SUBASE's new commanding officer.
In a change of command ceremony on Monday, Whitescarver relieved U.S. Navy Captain Carl Lahti, who led the submarine base for the last two and a half years.
Lahti was credited for his leadership in overseeing infrastructure improvement and capital investment at the base. He'll remain in Groton assigned to the new Undersea Warfighting Development Center.
Whitescarver takes over for Lahti at a unique time in the history of the SUBASE. It’s the centennial anniversary, marking 100 years since the U.S Navy designated Naval Submarine Base New London the nation’s first submarine base.
During the ceremony, Whitescarver referenced the anniversary. "As a submariner, I view our Submarine Force history here in Southeastern Connecticut for the last 100 years as some of the finest," he said.
This isn’t the first time Whitescarver has lived in Connecticut. He has spent 35 years on submarines, which includes being trained at the SUBASE's school. He also said he studied at Asnuntuck Community College.
Whitescarver said the SUBASE has an enormous impact on the state of Connecticut. "The significance is a little over $7 billion to the economy in 2014 alone," he said. "So to say the least, southeastern Connecticut and the submarine force -- I think we're kind of cemented here."
Naval Submarine Base New London is the home port of 15 attack submarines, and is responsible for training the Navy’s submarine force.
