Groton - Seventy-one officers, "Class 14050," graduated from the Submarine Officer Basic Course Friday, Sept. 12.

Cmdr. Steve Antclift, USN, commanding officer, USS Virginia (SSN-774), was the guest speaker.

Ensign Andrew Miller received the L.Y. Spear Award and a gold watch in recognition of his overall superior academic performance as the Basic Course Honor Graduate.

Ensign Elizabeth Corcoran was recipient of the Adm. 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 Gilesa Allison was awarded 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.