21. December 2015 · Comments Off on SN Brayden Kane Awarded Dolphins at Capitol · Categories: Crew VIsit

STSSN (Sonar Technician Submarines Seaman) Brayden Kane of Brighton, Colorado was awarded his submarine dolphins in ceremonies in the Rotunda of the State Capitol on Monday December 14th. Dolphins are the Submarine Warfare Insignia and are awarded when a sailor meets rigorous requirements to learn all the systems throughout the submarine and pass a qualification board. Seaman Kane requested that his ceremony be held in Colorado so that his family could attend.

Committee Chairman and Retired Submarine Captain John Mackin officiated the ceremony. Brigadier General Michael Willis of the Colorado National Guard provided welcoming remarks on behalf of the State. World War II submarine veteran Andy Palenchar pinned the dolphins on SN Kane. Andy served on USS Finback (SS 230) during the war and helped rescue future President George H. W. Bush when he was shot down in the Pacific. Andy joined the Army reserve after the war and was called to active duty for the Korean War and served until 1978 serving two tours in Vietnam. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. PCU Colorado shipmates participated in the ceremony as well. Chief of the Boat Brett Jackson provide remarks about Seaman Kane and assisted Andy in pinning the Dolphins on. MM1 Ryan Zabka read a story of World War II submarine operations.

Gene Naegel of the Rocky Mountain Base of the United States Submarine Veterans organization presented Seaman Kane with the traditional submarine veterans vest and a membership in the Base.

News crew from Channel 9 were there to cover the event. Here is a link to their coverage:USS Colorado Seaman Honored at State Capitol

Some pictures of the lunch afterward