Groton — Eighteen members of Class 17020 graduated from the Submarine Officer Advanced Course on June 23.

Capt. Brian Sittlow, executive officer of Submarine Squadron 4, was the guest speaker.

Lt. Sean Rocha received both the L.Y. Spear Award as class honor graduate but also the David Lloyd Award for Excellence for his demonstrated excellence in leadership, military bearing, academic performance, and extracurricular activities.

Lt. Joseph Innerst was honored with the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association Award in recognition of achievement in the study of command, control and tactical planning.

Rocha and Lt. Ward Odenwald both graduated with distinction.

Lt. Jacob Webb was selected as the course's outstanding instructor.

The Submarine Officer Advanced Course is twenty weeks of instruction in preparation for increased responsibilities as department heads. The course provides extensive instruction in tactics, sonar, weapons, fire control, navigation and operations.