This month the first of the crew was scheduled to report to the shipyard in Groton. Initially they will be involved with setting up their spaces and rounding up the necessary publications. The PCO and members of the Engineering Department will be attending schooling on the nuclear propulsion plant and report to the shipyard in early October.

The first of the major hull sections should be arriving at Electric Boat soon, but I have not been able to confirm exactly when.

Now that the license plate bill has been signed, the design is in progress and will be submitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles shortly. The license plate should be available for sale after the first of the year.

Gov. Hickenlooper signing the USS Colorado License Plate Bill

Today Governor Hickenlooper signed into law the USS Colorado License Plate Bill. The Governor provided some introductory remarks noting how this was available to all Colorado residents to show their support for the ship and its crew. JJ Mackin introduced CDR Franklin who spoke of his impressions of Colorado and the relationship of his crew with the state. The bills sponsors, Senator Herpin and Representative Swalm, also spoke about the bill. The Colorado Springs Submarine Veterans brought their float, a model of USS Scorpion, to provide a backdrop. Design of the license plate will be undertaken by the USS Colorado Commissioning Committee for submission to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The license plate should be available after the first of the year.

CDR Franklin visits with MGEN Edwards

CDR Ken Franklin, Prospective Commanding Officer USS Colorado is visiting the state. On Friday he called on MGEN H. Michael Edwards, Colorado Adjutant General at the Colorado National Guard Headquarters. Accompanying CDR Franklin were Committee Members JJ Mackin, DIck Cooper and Dan Puleio.

Friday evening CDR Franklin was the principal speaker at the US Submarine Veterans Submarine Birthday Banquet held at the Holiday Inn in Lakewood. About 80 persons attended the event. CDR Franklin provided a very informative view of the Submarine Force status and the capabilities of the Virginia Class submarines.

On Saturday CDR Franklin attended the USS Grayling (SS 209) Memorial Ceremony at Sloan’s Lake. VADM (Ret.) Al Konetzni was the principal speaker and MGEN Edwards was also in attendance.

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