Groton — Seventy-two members of "Class 17040" graduated from the Submarine Officer Basic Course Friday, June 30.

Capt. Paul A. Whitescarver, USN, commanding officer, Naval Submarine Base New London,  was guest speaker.

Lt. j.g. Megan Lewis received the L.Y. Spear Award and a gold watch in recognition of her overall superior academic performance as the Basic Course Honor Graduate.

Lt. j.g. Justin Peabody was the recipient of the Admiral Andrew I. McKee Award given to the graduate who displays excellence in the submarine systems and diving trainer portions of the course and who demonstrates superior performance in the areas of submarine design and safety.

Ensign Kyle Parker received the Naval Submarine League Tactical Excellence Award for achieving the greatest understanding of Target Motion Analysis (TMA) as measured by demonstrated proficiency in plotting mechanics and fire control system operation.

The Submarine Officer Basic Course is 10 weeks in length and teaches officers the theory, instruction and operation of nuclear-powered submarines. In preparation for their first submarine assignment, officers receive intensive instruction in areas to include shipboard organization, damage control, submarine safety and escape procedures, submarine weapons, fire control and sonar systems in order to be a fully contributing member of a ship's wardroom from the day they report aboard.