history of nautilus commanding officer's

MMAC Chartier is a native of Waterford Connecticut and married to his wife Ashley since 2017.

He joined the program in May of 2009 as a league cadet when he was in the fifth grade. He rose through the ranks of the NLCC to Petty Officer Second Class before shifting to Sea Cadets as an E2(T). He again explored various advanced trainings to include Field Operations, Medical / Fire Fighting, Master At Arms, Combat Construction, Combat Medical, Petty Officer Leadership Academy, Ceremonial Honor Guard and various tours of staff NSCC Recruit Training, NLCC Recruit Orientation, and Petty Officer Leadership Academy. After rising to the rank of Cadet Chief Petty Officer and serving the unit as the Leading Chief Petty Officer for a year, he graduated the program and enlisted into the US Navy in August of 2016.

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After successfully completed Navy Boot Camp, he reported back to Groton Connecticut for Naval Submarine School, where he again signed back up with the division as a Midshipman. Upon graduation of his Machinist Mate Auxiliary A-School, he reported to the USS San Juan (SSN-751) in June of 2017. In June of 2024 he was awarded his Submarine Warfare Device (Dolphins) on the pier. MSC(SS) (RET) Robert Smith (Prior Unit CO) pinned his own dolphins onto him saying "These dolphins were passed down to me, and they need to go back to sea." T

Onboard USS San Juan, he was advanced to MMA3, meritoriously advanced the MMA2 and again to MMA1. He was selected as a Blue Jacket of the Quarter, Junior Sailor Of the Year, and Sailor Of the Year. While on board he completed three deployments to the Atlantic and Mediterranean, two additional Surge Deployments, two different Dry Dock Availabilities, and a home port shift to Bremerton Washington for decommissioning. In August of 2023 he finally set ashore back in Groton Connecticut.

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His first shore duty was at Submarine On Board Training, creating and updating remote learning content used onboard submarines. There he was advanced to Chief Petty Officer in September of 2024. Afterwards he transferred to Naval Submarine School to serve as the BUILD LCPO handling the intake process of the Navy's largest Fleet Team Training Command, then to relieve as the Drug and Alcohol Program Advisor as he currently serves.

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MMAC(SS) Chartier relates many of his successes to his time in the Naval Sea Cadet Corps and enjoys giving back to help share the same or better experience. Since becoming an Adult Volunteer, he has been an Escort Officer for Petty Officer Leadership Academy, Submarine Seminar Groton (2) and Submarine Seminar Hawaii (1). He is one of three OPD 101 instructors for New England where he teaches new adult volunteers what right looks like. 

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Awards Include some of the following for USN and USNSCC:

Navy Commendation Medal (1), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (5), Good Conduct Medal (3), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (1), Artic Service Medal (1), NSCC Commendation Ribbon (3), NSCC Citation Ribbon (3), Escort Officer Ribbon (4), NLUS Youth Medal (1), Daughter of the American Revolution Outstanding Cadet Medal (1), Sons of the American Revolution Medal (1), Veterans of Foreign Wars Medal (1), and Staff Cadet Ribbon (7).

Keith Cross, a native of West Haven, CT, first became involved with the Naval Sea Cadet Corps in 2015 when his eldest son joined the Edson Division. Inspired by the program’s impact, he began volunteering and officially joined as an instructor in 2018. The following year, he transferred to the Nautilus (SSN-571) Division at Naval Submarine Base New London.

Promoted to Ensign in 2021, Cross advanced to Executive Officer later that year and assumed command of both Nautilus Division and Training Ship Nathan Hale in 2022. He was promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade in 2023 and has overseen Submarine Seminar Training for the Northeast Region, while also assisting with NSWOC training.

His service has been recognized with multiple honors, including the USNSCC Community Service Ribbon, Escort Officer Ribbon, Unit Commendation Ribbon, and the President’s Service Award in 2020, 2022, and 2023.

Stephanie Hyland, born at Bethesda Naval Hospital to Navy parents, made history at 14 as the first female to join Vermont’s Champlain Valley Division of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, quickly rising to Leading Petty Officer. She graduated from Norwich University in 1990 with a degree in Communications, remaining active in the Corps of Cadets and Sea Cadets throughout her college years.

Appointed Midshipman in 1987, she helped establish a Navy League Cadet Company and later advanced to Lieutenant and Lieutenant Commander, serving with Groton Division at Naval Submarine Base New London. Hyland has held multiple leadership roles with RTC New England since 1985, including PAO, Security Officer, and Executive Officer. In 2008, she became Commanding Officer of the NLCC Recruit Orientation command, a position she continues to hold.

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Robert W. Smith, a native of Troy, NY, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in July 1981. After completing recruit training at Great Lakes and specialized schooling in San Diego and Groton, he served aboard several submarines including USS Haddo (SSN 604), USS Sculpin (SSN 590), USS Tennessee (SSBN 734 Blue), and USS Hartford (SSN 768). Rising through the ranks, he became a Chief Petty Officer and held leadership roles in food service divisions, recruiting, and training commands.

Smith’s passion for mentorship extended to the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, where he served as Executive Officer of the Laffey Division, later commanding the Nautilus (SSN-571) Division. In 2016, he was appointed Regional Director for Southern New England, overseeing units across Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

Commander Thomas Desrosier, USN (Ret.), served as Groton Division’s first Navy Commanding Officer from April 1995 to April 2001. During his six-year tenure, he provided leadership and mentorship that helped establish the division’s foundation and strengthen its mission of training and inspiring youth through the Naval Sea Cadet Corps. His service marked a pivotal chapter in the division’s history, setting the standard for future officers and cadets alike.

Lieutenant John E. Steele briefly served with the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps from March to April 1995. During his tenure, he contributed to the Corps’ mission of developing youth through naval training and mentorship. Though his service was short, Steele’s role as a commissioned officer reflected his commitment to supporting the program and fostering leadership among cadets.

LCDR Joyce Harris served with the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps from November 1986 to March 1995. During her nearly nine years of service, she held leadership roles that advanced the Corps’ mission of training and mentoring youth in naval traditions. Her tenure reflected dedication to developing cadets’ discipline, skills, and confidence, leaving a lasting impact on the program.

Ernest “Ernie” M. Noddin (1939–2010), of Ledyard, CT, was a dedicated Navy officer, civil servant, and community leader. A native of Ayer, MA, he earned his bachelor’s degree from American Institute College in Springfield before serving as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy. Following active duty, he continued his career as a Research Psychologist with the Navy until his retirement in 1994.

Noddin also devoted ten years as Commanding Officer of the Groton Division of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, inspiring youth through mentorship and naval tradition. Beyond his service, he was an avid fisherman who loved the open waters, especially aboard the Helcat in Groton. He is remembered as a beloved husband, leader, and mentor.