News

Leadership Updates

The latest updates from the Commanding Officer and our Chairman

Why We Commission Ships: The Significance of USS District of Columbia (SSBN-826)

2nd Quarter 2026

In my last update, I discussed the Christening Ceremony. As USS District of Columbia (SSBN-826) moves closer to entering service, many people ask: What is commissioning?

A commissioning ceremony is the moment a ship officially joins the United States Navy. It marks the transition from construction and testing to active service. For the crew, it begins a new chapter of duty. For the Navy, it adds a powerful new capability. For the nation, it continues a tradition that reaches back to our founding.

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Update from the CO

2nd Quarter 2026

2026 is off to a tremendous start onboard PCU DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (SSBN 826), with a host of events around the country for training and community relations, and with new crew members arriving every day. It has been a privilege to see the work the crew is doing, and the skills they are developing as we look to ever more impactful milestones in the construction process.

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Update from the Chairman

1st Quarter 2026

In this update, I would like to focus on one of the most meaningful milestones in a ship’s life: the Christening Ceremony. The Christening is the moment when a submarine is formally given her name and identity. It is the point at which a ship transitions from a complex engineering project into a United States warship with a spirit, a legacy, and a purpose. From that day forward, she is no longer just steel, systems, and technology—she becomes a living symbol of our Navy and our nation.

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Update from the CO

1st Quarter 2026

2025 was a remarkable year for the DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA crew, marked with momentous personal and team accomplishments, and with the promise of much more in 2026 and beyond. Over the course of this year, we have continued developing our understanding of this brand-new platform, which will underpin U.S. strategic deterrence into the 2080s. Our dedicated sailors have completed countless watchstation qualifications, enabling deeper system and operational understanding at all levels of the command, and ensuring the crew will be ready for each construction milestone. We have also continued building our strong partnership with the shipbuilders, and we look forward to supporting their incredible efforts to deliver this technological marvel to the Navy and the Nation.

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Update from the Chairman

1st Quarter 2025

In this update, I would like to focus on the naming of Submarines: Tradition and Significance. The process of naming submarines is steeped in tradition and carries significant meaning. The naming of a vessel often invokes historical figures, events, or places that hold importance to the nation. This tradition dates back to the Continental Navy’s first ship in 1775 and continues to be a vital part of naval ceremonies today.

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Update from the CO

1st Quarter 2025

The DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (SSBN-826) command, established in March 2024 at General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, CT, has now completed over a year of focused effort in preparation for the boat's commissioning. Our initial cadre of approximately 80 Sailors, continue to provide vital support to Electric Boat in preparation for system testing and operation.

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Update from the CO

4th Quarter 2024

The members of the crew were hand-selected and also volunteered for this assignment, which results in all of them being very excited to be here. The best part about this assignment is the talent level of each member of the crew and their work ethic.

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Welcome from the Chairman

4th Quarter 2024

It is my distinct honor to introduce you to the USS DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (SSBN-826), the lead ship of the Columbia class submarines. The commissioning committee will introduce Washingtonians to this remarkable vessel, familiarize the crew with the vibrant neighborhoods and rich culture of D.C. “beyond the monuments,” support STEM education for D.C. students with unique submarine-related projects, and more!

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