Supporting USS Colorado (SSN 788) Commissioning and Crew
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.
The winner of the Ship’s Crest Design Contest, LTJG Michael Nielson was in Colorado last week on leave between finishing up his Nuclear Power Training and reporting to USS Colorado. Mike is a native of Arvada and was home to visit his parents, Chris and Bruce Nielson. The Committee used his visit as an opportunity meet him and acknowledge his win by presenting him with a ceremonial check.
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The crew of PCU Colorado (SSN 788) has selected the design of Vance Vino, 11, of Superior as the winner of the Junior Division of the Ship’s Crest Design Contest. Vance is a fifth grade student at Global Village Academy in Northglenn. His teacher last year was Committee Member Candice Green. In a ceremony held on June 8, the Committee presented him with a letter of congratulations from the Commanding Officer PCU Colorado, a $100 bill, as well as a USS Colorado ball cap and coin. The award was presented by USS Colorado Committee members JJ Mackin, Candice Green, Dick Cooper, Dan Puleio, Shauna King, and Sebastian King. Vance was accompanied by his parents, John and Jenniffer Veno. Also in attendance was the school’s principal, Liza Pond, along with other staff members, students, and parents.
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CDR Ken Franklin, Commanding Officer Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Colorado (SSN 788), and four of his crew, ET1 Joseph Gaines, MM1 Andrew Stuhr, EM2 Kyle Peterson, and YN2 Joshua Craven have completed a 2 ½ day visit to Colorado. Arriving on April 28 from Groton, CT., they visited the Rocky Mountain Navy organization and talked about their pre-commissioning preparations to a group of about 20 retired Navy persons.
The Colorado legislature paid tribute to the crew of USS Colorado on the morning of April 29. In separate ceremonies in the House and the Senate, tributes were read and the crew members got a chance to meet and chat legislators. See pictures of legislature tribute
Two receptions were held for them later that day. A luncheon was hosted at the historic Malo Mansion by Shawna King and the Vollmer family. Approximately 100 guests were present to enjoy lunch in the beautiful garden and learn about the history of previous USS Colorado’s, the goals of the commissioning committee and their campaign kickoff. CDR Franklin gave a brief of his leadership philosophy and the crew members introduced themselves. Also the Colorado Counties Inc., an association of County Commissioners, read a proclamation in tribute to the crew.See pictures of Luncheon
In the evening a similar reception was held for 150 persons at the Governor’s mansion next door. The Lieutenant Governor, Joseph Garcia, provided welcoming remarks. Similar presentations were made as was done at the earlier event. Also the ships crest design contest winner was announced. The winner is Michael Nielsen, a Colorado native currently an Ensign in the United States Navy and assigned to nuclear power training in West Milton. New York. His proud parents, Chris and Bruce Nielsen were present and gave a few remarks about their son. See pictures of Reception
The sailors had a busy day on Thursday. They toured the Broncos training facility in Dove Valley and were able to meet the players and coach Kubiak. After that they visited Cherry Creek High School and Middle School as well as Gardner Academy in Northglenn. They spent an hour with the students telling them a little bit about their life on submarines. From there it was a trip up to University of Colorado at Boulder to visit the University Memorial Center which houses artifacts from the battleship Colorado. There they met with the museum director, Carlos Garcia, and the commanding officer and executive officer of the Naval ROTC unit, Col. John Walsh, USMC and CDR Walt Morgan, USN. Afterwards they made a quick trip to Red Rocks before meeting some committee members for dinner at the Buckhorn Exchange.
All in all it was a great trip. The sailors got a chance to learn a little bit about their namesake state. It was great to see the warm welcome provided by Coloradans and their interaction between with the crew. The Commissioning Committee presented the crew with four picture books of Colorado to take back to Groton so that other crew members who were not able to attend will be able to learn about the Centennial state.
Four sailors from the boat are scheduled to come to Colorado in May to run in the Bolder Boulder on Memorial Day.
After reviewing over 140 entries, the Commanding Officer and crew have selected Michael Nielson as the winner of the Senior Division Ship’s Crest Design Contest. Michael hails from Arvada and is currently an Ensign in the Navy undergoing Nuclear Power Training in Ballston Spa, New York. His design will be made into the official ship’s crest.
The winner in the Junior Division has not yet been decided.
Michael Nielson Design
CDR Ken Franklin, Commanding Officer PCU Colorado, and 4 members of the crew will visit Colorado next week for a series of events. On Wednesday evening there will be a reception at the Governor’s Residence where the winner of the Ship’s Crest Design Contest will be announced. Earlier that day there will be a luncheon event at the Malo Mansion. Both events will host military, government and business leaders from across the state of Colorado.
On Thursday, CDR Franklin and his crew will get a tour of the Broncos facility at Dove Valley, visit local schools and visit artifacts of the battleship USS Colorado (BB 45) located on the CU Boulder campus.
