By State Senator Cathy Cook

Sunday October 2 nd will be a day of celebration in Connecticut as proud state residents gather at the Submarine Force Museum/USS Nautilus in Groton to celebrate our U.S. Submarine Base.

It is time for us to show our appreciation for the military personnel, and their families, who contribute so much to southeastern Connecticut communities and to thank the many dedicated people - in public and private life - who worked so hard to keep our U.S. Submarine Base open.

There are many events planned at the Submarine Force Museum/USS Nautilus on Crystal Lake Road in Groton from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on October 2 nd . Come early because the first 100 people to arrive will get a free t-shirt! Everyone, the children especially, will enjoy the ice cream social. Also, you will have the opportunity to sign a banner of thanks for Team Connecticut. Be sure to take the opportunity to tour the museum and go aboard the USS Nautilus. Stepping down into the USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear powered submarine built here in Groton, is another reminder of our region's role in naval history. And remember, admission is free!

Come meet and greet Governor M. Jodi Rell, U.S. Senator Christopher Dodd, U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman, Congressman Rob Simmons and me and my fellow members of Team Connecticut and the Submarine Base Realignment Coalition. We were privileged to work for the common goal, in a bipartisan effort, to make the important case to save our submarine base. We are celebrating the end of two years of doing the research, developing the strategy and making the arguments that led to our successful presentations and the positive vote of the BRAC Commission to remove Groton's Subase from the closure list.

Team Connecticut made a strong case. We did it, not just because our local and state economy would suffer, but most importantly because our nation needs the strongest deterrent to war so that we may assure peace. The Submarine Force has proven its value in past conflicts. In World War II, Groton's submarines made up less than 5% of the total naval forces, yet were responsible for sinking or disabling over 75% of enemy ships. In the Cold War, it was submariners from our region who manned the silent "boomers" and fast attack subs that ended the Soviet Union's threat of nuclear war. Today, our submarines are critical to the stealth necessary in the War on Terror. The nation needs a strong "Silent Service" and Team Connecticut and the BRAC Commissioners proved that the center of excellence for that capability is right here in Groton.

So come join us on Sunday October 2 nd and help me say "Thank You" to the navy and its submarine families who live among us, to our fellow citizens who were part of Team Connecticut, and to our region for sharing in the proud history of defending our nation.