Update from the CO

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.

With ship construction ongoing, we have taken the opportunity to send Sailors across the nation to learn more about the incredible technology incorporated into this first-of-class ship. Crew members have visited vendors in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Missouri, California, and more to receive hands-on equipment training, and to talk with the workforce building essential components for DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA and follow-on ships.

In addition to visits to industry partners and suppliers, Sailors represented the ship and crew at the Sea-Air-Space Exposition in National Harbor, Maryland, and at a series of namesake city events in and around Washington, DC. The crew particularly enjoyed opportunities to speak with students at Calvin Coolidge High School, and with veterans at the Armed Forces Retirement Home. We look forward to continuing to build relationships with our namesake city, and with communities throughout Washington, DC.

Crew members were also thrilled to be a part of the NASCAR All-Star Weekend Fan Zone, helping to build interest in the DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA by discussing and demonstrating how our submarine will operate.

A new contingent of Sailors, Chiefs, and Officers are currently attending a Naval Nuclear Laboratory-led course on the design and operation of the ship’s new propulsion plant, ensuring the crew is ready to meet the mark for construction, testing, and eventual at-sea operations. These new Sailors are part of the approximately 100 new personnel reporting to the ship over the course of 2026. Our crew currently stands at 113 personnel, with another 71 expected by the end of the year.

While we look forward to these new arrivals, we are also grateful for the team we have on board now. Their excellent performance has been recognized in a number of ways, including the selection of two Sailors and one Chief for Limited Duty Officer programs, the promotion of one alternate candidate for the Seaman to Admiral-21 program to full selected status, and the selection of three Chief Petty Officers for Senior Chief Petty Officer. We have also had Sailors recognized by Commander, Submarine Group Ten and other submarine commands for their efforts to ensure our fellow warships were always ready to go to sea.

2026 has been exceptional thus far and promises much more to come. I would like to extend my personal thanks to the commissioning committee and all the volunteers for their support of the ship and the crew, and for all the work they do to bring additional attention to this essential project for the Navy and the Nation.

CAPT Heath Johnmeyer
Commanding Officer
PCU District of Columbia (SSBN-826)