Rep. McCarty Celebrates Connecticut’s Maritime Heritage

NEW LONDON – State, local and military officials gathered yesterday at Fort Trumbull for the 2018 Annual Maritime Heritage Festival‘s official Welcoming Ceremony. State Representative Kathleen McCarty (R-Waterford), a former Civil Air Patrol pilot and member of the Legislature’s Tourism Caucus, attended to show her support for Southeastern Connecticut’s shoreline economy, spirit of innovation and history.

This event, which runs from September 5th to September 9th, allows partners from the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard to come together and work as partners for the city of New London and Southeastern Connecticut region.

(L to R) Sen Paul Formica, Chairman of the CT Maritime Heritage Festival Chairman John Johnston, Rep. McCarty, CT Maritime Heritage Festival Honorary Co-Chair Scott Bates and Waterford First Selectman Dan Steward.

Rep. McCarty Tours the USS Lassen at Fort Trumbull in New London.

Rep. McCarty with the on-duty pilots of the USS Lassen.

Festival events include:

• Unique tours aboard a fleet of boats including U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard ships, merchant marine vessels, and historic schooners
• A U.S. Coast Guard search & rescue demonstration
• A Music on the Pier main stage Americana concert
• A “Swingin’ on the Pier” dance party
• A “Meet the Crew” party
• A parade of ships
• The Morgan Cup Yacht Race
• A Maritime Career Opportunity Expo
• A burning of Benedict Arnold by costumed reenactors
• The 6th annual “Chowder Challenge.”

Rep. McCarty also joined a tour of the USS Lassen, U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer that was docked at Fort Trumbull for the festival, and met with officers on board. The Lassen is named for Medal of Honor recipient Commander Clyde Everett Lassen and is the 32nd vessel in the class.