Groton — The commanding officer of the USS New Hampshire and several crew members visited the sub’s namesake state to celebrate the anniversary of the commissioning.

The New Hampshire, (SSN 778), the Navy’s fifth Virginia-class attack submarine, was commissioned Oct. 25, 2008 during a ceremony at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

Cmdr. John McGunnigle, the sub’s commanding officer, and several crew members met with Gov. John Lynch, commissioning committee members, residents, students participating in the Navy Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program and students at Dover High School who lobbied for the submarine to be named after their state.

Hanna Munoz, now a senior at the high school, said, “I don’t think I realized at the time what a big deal it was, but now meeting with the crew today it makes me realize what a big impact we had in naming the submarine.”

Lynch thanked the crew for visiting their namesake state and for their service.

“Thank you for all that you do,” he said. “I have enormous respect for the men and women serving in our Armed Forces and I thank you and your families for your service and sacrifice.”