Commissioning Week Schedule of Events

We are honored and privileged to have this ship named after the great state of Colorado. The commissioning will take place on March 17th, 2018. We hope you will join us for the many events that will take place as part of this celebration as we honor the hard work of the crew in getting COLORADO ready for sea and welcome her to the active U.S. Navy fleet. We anticipate the attendance of senior military leaders, elected and legislative officials, and numerous business, and community leaders as we honor and celebrate this historic event.

Saturday, March 17

11:00 AM – Commissioning Ceremony – The Commissioning Ceremony is the U.S. Navy event which marks the official entry of COLORADO to the Navy’s fleet. As an official Navy event there is no admission fee, however due to limited seating and security, admission is by invitation only. Requests for tickets may be made here ( https://usscoloradocommittee.org//sign-commissioning-invitation/ ) prior to January 1, 2018. If you are a guest of a crewmember on USS COLORADO, please contact your crewmember for tickets to ensure you are seated in the appropriate seating section. Dress for those attending is informal.

The ship will be open for visiting for all attending the ceremony until approximately 4 PM

Post-Commissioning Reception – For all attending the commissioning, there will be a reception at the head of the pier immediately following the ceremony. This reception is hosted by the Commissioning Committee and will feature Colorado food and beverage.

No Host Dinner – In the evening there will be a no host dinner at the Marriott. Buffet dinner is $45 inclusive per person. You can purchase tickets in advance by calling the sales department at 860-326-0333 or by emailing Shannon.morgan@mysticmarriott.com. You may also purchase dinner tickets at the hotel front desk. Deadline to purchase tickets is Friday, March 16th at 11 AM.

Other Events
We invite persons attending the Commissioning to spend time Friday visiting sites in the local area. Some of the local area attractions include:

  • Submarine Force Museum
  • Mystic Seaport
  • Old Mystic Village
  • Casinos
  • Coast Guard Academy

 

Major Donor Events

In addition to these public events, there are also a number of other traditional events which help celebrate this great milestone. These events are coordinated by the Commissioning Committee and funded by contributions from individuals and companies through the Committee, a non-profit organization. These events are by invitation only for donors at the Longs Peak Level or above. These events include:

Donor’s Clambake – There will be a New England Clambake on Friday from 1 to 3 PM  for donors at the Long’s Peak Level and above. We are also trying organize tours of the submarine base and the submarine for as many of this group as can be accommodated on Friday.

Chairman’s Reception – The premier reception of the Commissioning Week held on Friday evening at the Marriott. An invitation only event, attended by Navy and Government leaders, COLORADO crewmembers and others who have helped with the commissioning efforts and their guests. This reception provides a forum for the Captain, Commissioning Committee Chairman and crewmembers to meet the individuals and thank them for the support the commissioning and everything they have done to help bring the future USS COLORADO (SSN 788) to life.

Platform Briefing Breakfast – An invitation only breakfast Saturday prior to the Commissioning Event. This breakfast is an opportunity to meet the principal participants in the ceremony, senior Navy, Government and Community leaders, Industry leaders, and other key supporters of the Commissioning event. This will occur at 9 AM at the Marriott and attendees will be provided transportation to and from the Commissioning event.

Other Special Events

Picnic for the Crew and Their Families – A special reception for the crew and their families will occur on Thursday of Commissioning week.

Sponsors Brunch – A small invitation only brunch where the Ships Sponsor and her guests have lunch with the Commanding Officer and certain dignitaries attending the events.