New London U.S. Navy Leader Honored In State Hall Of Fame

NEW LONDON, CT — Gov. Ned Lamont recently announced that 14 veterans have been selected as part of the 20th class of honorees for induction into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame. This year's inductees included Steven Ricard, of New London.

The hall of fame is the state’s official tribute recognizing former members of the United States Armed Forces who are from Connecticut and have continued making significant impacts in their communities after leaving military service.

This year’s class will be celebrated during an induction ceremony Jan. 23 in the Gold Star Families Memorial Auditorium on the campus of the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs in Rocky Hill.

“There are so many veterans from Connecticut who have continued their generosity even after leaving military service by volunteering in their communities and providing leadership that has helped improve the lives of others in many ways,” Lamont said in a statement.

The statement goes on to detail Ricard's contributions to the U.S. Navy:

Steven Ricard, a native of Belmont, New Hampshire, joined the U.S. Navy in September of 1971 at the age of 18. He attended Basic Enlisted Submarine School and was assigned to USS Nathanael Greene (SSBN 636) Interior Communications Division. He qualified in submarines in August of 1973. Mr. Ricard completed U.S. Navy SCUBA qualifications and was assigned collateral duties as ship’s diver. He detached from Greene in May of 1975 and was assigned to USS Narwhal (SSN 671) and was honorably discharged in September of 1975.

Mr. Ricard joined the U.S. Naval Reserves and served in units supporting Naval Submarine Support Facility at the Naval Submarine Base New London. He was recalled to Active Duty after September 11, 2001, reporting to the U.S. Naval Submarine Base Security Department. In February of 2002, he assumed duties as senior military leader. He was released from Active-Duty July of 2003.

Returning to the Naval Reserves, he attended the Senior Enlisted Academy and assumed duties and responsibilities as Command Master Chief Submarine Reserve Force. Mr. Ricard retired from the Reserves in October of 2005.

As a civilian, he worked as a defense contractor for more than 40 years, supporting both the Department of the Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard. He retired in December of 2018.

During this time, Mr. Ricard was active with New London Little League, Boy Scouts of America, St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish Council, and as the team lead for the American Heart Association Annual Walkathon.

He joined U.S. Submarine Veterans Inc. in 2000 and served in many leadership roles as base secretary, senior vice commander, membership and Holland Club chairman, and is currently base commander. Additionally, he is the chairman for the New London Veterans Advisory Committee.

Mr. Ricard has been married to his wife Elaine for 47 years. They have three children and three grandchildren and reside in New London, Connecticut.