Bernacchi discusses Virginia-class submarine at luncheon

Groton— Capt. Michael Bernacchi, who commanded Submarine Squadron 4, spoke about Virginia-class submarines at a luncheon for the Nautilus Chapter of Naval Submarine League Feb. 10.

Bernacchi, who has been selected to be the chief of staff for Submarine Group Two, said he wanted to give the group “a better understanding of how the Virginia class fits into what the Submarine Force does.”

“We have the weapon of the future today,” he said.

Noting the threats on the horizon, Bernacchi said, “we need it.”

Other nations are developing long-range missiles to deny ships and aircraft access, he said, and submarines will be able to get to locations where others can’t.

“The next war,” Bernacchi said, “the platform is going to be submarines.”