On Monday afternoon the crew members visited two local schools. Master Chief Brett Jackson and YN2 James Brown visited Ricardo Flores Magon Academy in Denver. MM1 Ryan Zabka  They spoke to 383 students,  Kindergarten through 8th grade. The students loved the idea of a Colorado boat, and they asked numerous, interesting questions. The COB showed a DVD which included pictures of subs and many of the crews activities since they started.

MM2 Derrick Altenburger visited Red Hawk Elementary School in Erie where they spoke to over 100 students about USS Colorado and answered numerous questions from the students about life on a submarine.

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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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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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Five sailors from USS Colorado will visit the state on December 13th through the 15th. Four will be here to be honored as “Bronco Country Heroes” during halftime of the Broncos-Raiders game on the 13th. Participating in this event will be Chief of the Boat, ETCM Brett Jackson along with MM1 Ryan Zabka, YN2 James Brown and MM2 Derrick Altenburger.

The fifth sailor, STSSN Brayden Kane of Brighton, Colorado has just met all the requirements to earn his submarine dolphins, the submarine warfare insignia. He is coming to Colorado in order to have his Dolphin Award ceremony here so that his family may attend. The ceremony is planned for 10 AM on Monday December 14th in the Rotunda of the State Capitol. WWII Submarine Veteran Andy Palenchar will present the Dolphins with submarine sailors and veterans in attendance.

During the visit the sailors will make several school visits and be available for media interviews. On Tuesday evening, December 15th there will be a reception in their honor. More details of this event to follow.