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.

Committee Members Visit COLORADO Under Construction

28. June 2016 · Comments Off on Committee Members Visit COLORADO Under Construction · Categories: Construction

Committee members Florence and JJ Mackin toured COLORADO under construction at Electric Boat Shipyard in Groton, CT on June 27th. Here is Florence’s description.

“Today, John and I were privileged to receive a tour of Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Colorado (SSN 788) from the Commanding Officer, CDR Ken Franklin, the Executive Officer, LCDR Stephen Col, the Supply Officer, LTJG Emilio Nodal, and the new Chief of the Boat, Master Chief Freddie Richter. Prior to visiting the shipyard we had lunch at a small restaurant on the Thames River in Groton and saw a submarine underway, headed out to sea. What you see on the surface looks small, but is only a small portion of what lies beneath. This becomes quite apparent when we entered that construction building at Electric Boat and saw the complete hull of the ship. After donning hard hats, safety glasses and earplugs, we took an elevator three stories up to enter the ship through the access hatch topside and then made our way through the passageways and up and down ladders. The ship is still far from complete. We had a very through tour from the CO who gave us a briefing of some of the various systems and technological advancements that have been made over the years. This ship is a complex technological wonder.

With all of this technology, we cannot forget that it will be home to the crew for many months on end. Somehow they have squeezed in some room for berthing spaces and staterooms.

Security was very tight. No cameras were allowed in the yard, and we were not even allowed to bring our cell phones with us. We took a picture outside in the parking lot, but had to take our visitor badges off with the thought that someone could make a copy from a picture. There have been two recent suspicious events at the Submarine Base by persons discovered to be on the terrorist watch list.

While most of the equipment in the interior of the boat is in place, there is a maze of temporary systems for ventilation and electricity in place throughout – taking up more volume in already cramped spaces. That combined with the amount of equipment, piping and wiring make you wonder how it all comes together and is a tribute to all involved in the submarine shipbuilding industry.

I was impressed by the complexity of the various systems, but more impressed by the knowledge, experience and expertise of the Captain and crew members who will take this ship to sea when she is complete. This was a once in a lifetime experience.”

Below is a picture of the group after the tour.

Visit to PCU Colorado

Visit to PCU Colorado

Left Hand Brewing to Launch Pride Runs Deep Beer

27. June 2016 · Comments Off on Left Hand Brewing to Launch Pride Runs Deep Beer · Categories: Pride Runs Deep Brew

Left hand Brewing will release Pride Runs Deep beer at Falling Rock Tap House on June 29th at 4pm, in the company of supporters and veterans. Proceeds will help support the Committee, funding commissioning events and supporting the crew. Pride Runs Deep IPA with Colorado blue spruce pine tips is brewed in support of the USS Colorado Commissioning Committee. See the full press release at www.craftbeer.com/ Here is another link to their announcement: lefthandbrewing.com/events/pride-runs-deep-falling-rock/

Wondering where to get Pride Runs Deep. After release you will be able to locate sellers of Left Hand brewing through Left Hand’s Beer finder: lefthandbrewing.com/beer-finder/ 

Crewmembers of USS Colorado (SSN 788) visit the State

25. June 2016 · Comments Off on Crewmembers of USS Colorado (SSN 788) visit the State · Categories: Crew VIsit

The latest “Namesake” visit to our State by crew members of the USS Colorado occurred Saturday May 28 through Friday June 3. Originally scheduled to run in the Bolder BOULDER 10K Memorial Day race, their itinerary was greatly expanded due to the enthusiastic outreach of many well-connected citizens.

In remembrance of the Memorial Day weekend, the crew climbed to the roof of the State’s Capitol where they hoisted a Colorado state flag. This flag was then carried to other events as the week progressed. Wreaths were laid at the Battleship USS Colorado BB-45 and USS Grayling Memorials.  Then on to Boulder for the 10K run.

On-field stadium recognition grew to include Broncos stadium with the Denver Outlaws, on-field recognition at Coors Field with the Colorado Rockies, on-field recognition at CU Boulder’s Folsom Field, and VIP on-field seating at the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation, with President Barack Obama as keynote speaker. This event concluded with a full Air Force Thunderbirds air show.

And as if that was not enough, additional fun events included a cog railroad ride to the top of Pike’s Peak, the inspiration for Katherine Lee Bates’ writing of “America the Beautiful”, and a special tour and recognition at the Denver Mint, which included free “samples”.

A talk to the NJROTC students at Widefield High School, visit to renowned Colorado nature photographer, John Fielder’s gallery and farewell dinner at The Fort, added to the diversity of this trip.

In total the crew completed 17 events and seven media engagements. Positive Navy awareness was generated not only via the media but to the 150,000 fans seated in the various stadium stands.

The visit was busy, fun and inspirational. We of the USS Colorado Commissioning Committee enjoyed hosting the crew and feel the positive Navy awareness generated throughout the Front Range will pay significant dividends as we progress toward the eventual ship’s commissioning in 2017.

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USS Colorado Crewmembers hoist State Flag from Roof of Capitol

08. June 2016 · Comments Off on USS Colorado Crewmembers hoist State Flag from Roof of Capitol · Categories: Crew VIsit

Sunday May 29, 2016: Visiting crew members from the USS Colorado (SSN 788) were honored with the State Adjutant General’s request to have them hoist a Colorado flag from the roof of the State’s Capitol on the occasion of the Memorial Day weekend. This flag was subsequently given to them with the promise that it follow them on their many adventures in the upcoming week.

State Highway Sergeant Shawn Dominguez volunteered his free time to meet and escort the crewmen into the state Capitol, then up to the dome and ultimately onto the roof of the Capitol for the Flag raising ceremony. A Navy veteran himself, Dominguez stated “climbing to the roof of the capitol is NOT for the faint of heart. There are narrow ladders, a hatch and old wooden stairs to get to the base of the flagpole. There are no railings. The ascent can only be accommodated in fair weather.”  Luckily the weather was perfect and this heart rendering event went off without a hitch.

The crew members also had the opportunity to visit the Battleship Colorado (BB 45) Memorial on the grounds of the Capitol and lay a wreath in honor of those sailors.

So where did this state flag travel?
While in Colorado the crew members conducted a wreath laying at the USS Colorado BB-45 and USS Grayling Memorials. They were honored on the Field at Broncos stadium for the Denver Outlaws game; CU Boulder’s Folsom Field following the 10K run of the Bolder BOULDER; Coors Field during the Memorial Day Rockies game; the top of Pikes Peak, inspirational source for Zebulon Pike’s America the Beautiful; and at the Air Force Academy during this year’s graduation ceremony.

All Coloradans should be justly proud to have a capitol ship of the United States Navy named after our great State. The last ship to bear the name USS Colorado was highly decorated WWII Battleship, BB-45, commissioned in 1923, over 90 years ago.

Story Navy Denver Public Affairs, Dan Puleio. Photos by Dan Puleio, Bruce Marsden and JJ Mackin

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