Groton — Capt. John McGrath, the commanding officer of the USS Mississippi, visited with midshipmen from Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps units at Villanova and the University of Pennsylvania, Tuesday, March 19, to discuss the submarine force’s history and current operations.

“We offer a highly rewarding career path and I enjoy telling them why I feel they should give it every consideration,” McGrath said.

Lt. Tim Rustico, the Villanova NROTC Unit sophomore advisor, said McGrath’s expertise and experience helped the students understand what it’s like to command one of the Navy’s newest and most powerful assets.

“Frankly, he made my job of recruiting the best submarine candidates easy,” Rustico said.