In ceremonies at Naval Station Norfolk on Saturday October 7th, USS Washington (SSN 787) joined the fleet as a commissioned US Navy warship. Held on pier 12 at the naval station, between three aircraft carriers at adjacent piers, the weather was bright and sunny on this October day in the Tidewater area. Ship’s sponsor, Elizabeth Mabus, gave the traditional “Man our Ship and Bring Her to Life” command as the crew ran aboard. This was preceded by remarks from shipbuilders and politicians from both Virginia and Washington state. The senior person from Washington was Lt. Governor Habib. Placing the ship in commission for the Chief of Naval Operations was Admiral Frank Caldwell, Director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program.

Earlier festivities were the Chairman’s Reception the evening before held at the Half Moon Cruise and Celebration Center. At this reception a number of sponsors presented gifts to the ship. Attending Washington’s events were Colorado Commissioning Committee Chair, JJ Mackin and his wife Florence, who were graciously invited by Washington’s Committee Chair, retired Rear Admiral Mike Sharp. They were able to observe the key events which will be invaluable in planning for Colorado’s Commissioning. Colorado is the next submarine to be commissioned on March 17th, 2018.

During the reception they spoke to Admiral Caldwell about Colorado. The Admiral rides all new construction submarines on their initial Alpha Sea Trials. He had very positive comments about the performance of the crew while he was aboard!