The latest visit of crew members from the PCU (pre-commissioning unit) Colorado was structured to take a different direction. On this trip two junior Culinary Specialists, CSSN’s Oyedolapo Oworu and Thomas Carswell, traveled the state working under the guidance of Chefs employed at the top 5 star resorts to learn Colorado cuisine. This was designed to add a unique personality to dishes prepared for the crew onboard the soon to be commissioned USS Colorado (SSN 788).

Throughout the visit the Chefs were heard to say “We want to teach basics that they can take out to sea, while sourcing food products that are generally available and approved through Navy supply channels”.

Factored into the thought process was the fact that 400 meals are prepared per day, 24 hours and day seven days a week. This is done with a team of seven Culinary Specialists led by a Chief Petty Officer…and in a galley measuring roughly 10 by 20 feet.

Throughout the week visits included the Four Seasons Resort, Vail; the Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, the Brown Palace, Denver; and Tom’s Urban in the lower downtown Denver entertainment district.

Not all events involved work as the crewmen were recognized during festivities at the Air Force/Navy football game and on the field as “Heroes of the Match” for the Colorado Rapids professional soccer team.

Projected in the Sailors’ manner was a pride of rating (training specialty), pride of being a Navy Sailor and submariner. “Cooking is more than a job, it’s an expression of creativity and an art form,” stated Seaman Oworu. This sense of pride does not come without superior leadership which is a cornerstone of U.S. Navy teamwork. This same uplifting style of leadership was observed throughout the various visits. The Chefs were noted for the respect they afforded all members of their staff. “Treat your employees as you would your guests,” was stated by Chef Johan Van Niekerk early in the visit, and observed throughout the week’s various events.
“In submarines where Sailors live in close quarters for months at a time, there are few distractions from their official duties. In this environment meals ARE morale”, stated Seaman Carswell, “They improve the ship’s ability to fight”.

This “namesake” crew visit provided high quality professional development and a bonding between the men and women of the U.S. Navy and many Coloradans. In summarizing the supporters who made this week such a resounding success, thanks go committee members Shauna and Yale King, Candice Green, Deb and Randy Zeller, Dan Puleio, and John and Florence Mackin.

Story by Committee Member and NRD Denver Public Affairs, Dan Puleio

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USS Colorado crew members Executive Officer Stephen Col, STS1(SS) Michael McKenna, and MMA2(SS) Eric Robinson paid a visit to Colorado in conjunction with the Committee’s Gala and Auction on September 17th. The three crew members arrived on Wednesday the 14th. That evening they visited the monthly meeting of Rocky Mountain Base of the Unites States Submarine Veterans organization where they were greeted warmly by the veterans. They talked with many of those present, including WWII submarine veteran, Andy Palenchar.

On Thursday they visited three NJROTC units in Colorado Springs at Doherty, Mesa Ridge and Widefield High Schools. They also visited NORTHCOM headquarter for lunch and a tour of the Command Center. They finished the day with a tour of Cogitic Corporation in Colorado Springs. The company is a precision manufacturer that makes critical parts for our submarines, including USS Colorado.

On Friday they started the day talking to an assembly of about 1500 students at Century Middle School in Thornton. During the school’s “Constitution Day” an enthusiastic group of students listened as the crew members discussed the technology involved with making today’s submarines operate and the importance of STEM education. For  more information on this event see this article by  Colorado Education Association.

From there they visited the Gallery of Sculptor George Lundeen in Loveland. He has been commissioned by the Battleship Colorado (BB 45) Association to create a special commemorative ship’s bell for SSN 788. There they were introduced to the sculptor’s work including the method for fabricating the ship’s bell.

For lunch they traveled to Estes Park to have lunch at the Stanley hotel with Mayor Todd Jirsa, Town Commissioner Cody Walker and Retied Navy Captain Dick Life, a resident of Estes Park. A visit to Left Hand Brewing in the afternoon completed their schedule for the day.

Saturday before the Gala they had an opportunity to visit the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.

Since their flight on Sunday was not until 11:59 PM, they were able to take in a Rockies game at Coors Field and be recognized on the field doing the 7th inning stretch. They invited Air Force veteran Jennifer Burch to join them on the field for the recognition.

It was another great visit by sailors from USS Colorado to the state. We are proud to be able to facilitate the out reach between the fine sailors of SSN 788 and the citizens and school children of Colorado.

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