Groton — Seventy-nine sailors of "Class 17160," USS Groton (SSN-694), graduated from Basic Enlisted Submarine School on March 17.

Seaman Daniel Cullen, with a 96.95 GPA, was class honor graduate.

Aviation Structural Mechanic Safety Equipment 2nd Class Artrez Spradley received the Navy Core Values Award for best exemplifying the standards and expectations of a U.S. Navy sailor.

Fireman Recruit Brittani Brammann was recipient of the Submarine Heritage Award.

Seaman James Mullin, Seaman Apprentice Terrell Styles, Seaman Recruit Boris Gilinsky, Seaman Apprentice Nicholas Matsen, Seaman Recruit Vincent Egbert, Culinary Specialist Senior Chief Sarah Martin, and Seaman Apprentice Alexander Kopstein joined Fire Control Technician 2nd Class Preston Holland as graduates with distinction.

Basic Enlisted Submarine School is a six-week introduction to the basic theory, construction and operation of nuclear-powered submarines. In preparation for an assignment, sailors receive instruction on shipboard organization, submarine safety and escape procedures.