Welcome

Welcome to USS Colorado (SSN-788) Commissioning Committee web site. USS Colorado (SSN-788) is the 15th Virginia Class submarine. She was delivered to the Navy on September 21, 2017. Having completed shakedown operations, she was commissioned on March 17, 2018 at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, CT. The Committee's purposes are to promote awareness within the state, provide support for the crew, and to help organize and raise money for the events surrounding commissioning.

SN Brayden Kane Awarded Dolphins at Capitol

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

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Some pictures of the lunch afterward

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USS Colorado Sailors Interviewed at Channel 9

21. December 2015 · Comments Off on USS Colorado Sailors Interviewed at Channel 9 · Categories: Crew VIsit

On Monday December 15th the four USS Colorado submariners were interviewed on air by Channel 9’s Cheryl Preheim. They discussed construction of the Submarine and preparations to go to sea. See the interview here;

Channel 9 Interview

Some pictures at the studio:

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USS Colorado Crew honored by Broncos

17. December 2015 · Comments Off on USS Colorado Crew honored by Broncos · Categories: Broncos, Crew VIsit

At the Broncos-Raiders game on December 13th, four crew members from PCU Colorado were honored as “Broncos Country Heroes” during the first quarter of the game. Chief of the Boat Master Chief Brett Jackson, MM1 Ryan Zabka, YN2 James Brown and MM2 Derrick Altenburger were introduced to the 70,000+ plus fans after viewing a short submarine video on the Jumbo-tron. The sailors were able to view pregame activities from the sidelines. Several members of the Commissioning Committee attended the game and see the honors to the sailors.

After the game the Committee hosted dinner for them at Wynkoop Brewery.The Colorado Springs Base of the United States Submarine Veterans organization presented the Chief of the Boat a specially engraved cribbage board.

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