Quarterly Newsletter
Supporting the Commissioning and the Crew of the USS District of Columbia
January 2025
Welcome Aboard!
Thank you for your interest in the USS District of Columbia Commissioning Committee and our work on behalf of the Commissioning and Crew of the first warship ever named for the District of Columbia!
We’re thrilled you’ve decided to become part of United States Naval History through your interest, ideas, and support of the Commissioning and Crew of the USS District of Columbia.
Looking to learn more or get involved in the community? Check out our website or our LinkedIn page or take a look at our upcoming events.
Wishing you fair winds and following seas on our journey to the Commissioning!
Regards,
The USS District of Columbia Commissioning Team
The USS District of Columbia Commissioning Team
The View from the Top
RADM (ret) David Goggins
Welcome from the Chairman
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!
CAPT Heath Johnmeyer
Update from the CO
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.
Join the Crew
Become part of U.S. Naval history by supporting the commissioning of the USS District of Columbia. All contributions will enhance the quality of life for all those who serve aboard the USS District of Columbia (SSBN-826) as well as events leading up to and including Commissioning Week.
News in the Community
Celebrating the 2024 Army-Navy Game
CAPT Heath Johnmeyer, Commanding Officer, PCU District of Columbia (SSBN-826) and members of the USS District of Columbia Committee brought our 50 ft inflatable submarine to celebrate the 2024 Army-Navy Game at the Official Army-Navy Block Party at The Yards Park.
USS District of Columbia Supports Navy Submarine League Event
The USS District of Columbia Commissioning Committee attended the 13-14 November 2024 Naval Submarine League's Annual Symposium and Industry Update.
DC's 2024 Veterans Day Parade
Ms. Beth Klein, Executive Director, National Capital Council of the Navy League of the United States (NCCNL) and USS District of Columbia Commissioning Committee joined Director Charlette Woodard, Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs to march in the District of Columbia's Veterans Day Parade on November 10th to honor and recognize the District's Veterans for their service.
Upcoming Events and Key Dates
Make sure you catch us at one of these events
APRIL 6-9, 2025
SeaAirSpace 2025
Gaylord National Harbor
APRIL 11, 2025
U.S. Submarine Force’s 125th birthday
Construction Update
Delivery of the Aft Engine Room
USS District of Columbia's (SSBN-826) Section 8--the Aft Engine Room that joins to the Stern Module--arrives at General Dynamics Electric Boat's (GDEB) Groton shipyard on the Holland barge before being moved to the South Yard Assembly Building.
Namesake Spotlights
Meet some of the Naval Leaders born and raised in the District.
Admiral (Ret) Cecil D. Haney
Born in Washington, D.C. in 1955, Admiral Haney attended D.C. public schools before graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1978. His career as a Submariner included assignments both at sea and ashore, culminating in command of USS Honolulu (SSN-718). Admiral Haney retired after serving as Commander, U.S. Strategic Command as a four-star Admiral, which is the highest rank in the U.S. Navy.
History, Heritage, and Traditions
The Story of Cribbage in the Navy
Cribbage is one of the fondest traditions in the submarine force that dates back at least to World War II, when some of our greatest heroes holding the line in the Pacific theater would always relax with a game of cribbage with the Captain at the end of every meal.
Crew Updates
Catch up on the latest crew awards, achievements, and activities
CAPT Heath Johnmeyer, Commanding Officer, PCU District of Columbia (SSBN-826) greets youngster at the 2024 Official Army-Navy Block Party at The Yards Park.
MMN2(SS) Gracie Machin, Captain Heath Johnmeyer, CCSCM(SS) Mark Shipley, EMN1(SS) James Nirva, and EMN1(SS) John Foy stop by the USS District of Columbia Commissioning Committee’s display during the Naval Submarine League Annual Symposium & Industry Update 13 -14 November.
Captain Heath Johnmeyer presents PCU District of Columbia (SSBN-826) Sailor of the Year to EMN1(SS) James Nirva with a Commander, Submarine Group TEN Citation recognizing him as the Sailor of the Quarter for the Third Quarter 2024 for his outstanding performance of duty while serving as Engineering Department Training Assistant.
PCU District of Columbia (SSBN-826) Chief's Quarters after Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Pinning this year. Each year the United States Navy selects the best and brightest First Class Petty Officers for advancement to Chief Petty Officer. The CPO pinning ceremony is public recognition of the most significant career milestone for our Navy’s enlisted ranks.
MMNC Bolin and EMNC Smith grilling on 826 Day (August 26 in honor of PCU District of Columbia’s hull number, SSBN-826).
PCU District of Columbia (SSBN-826) Chiefs and Officers visit the World War II Memorial in Groton, CT.
EMN1 Bonk, MMN2 Braun, MMN2 Hoyt and ITNC Barnes represented SSBN-826 at the 2024 Joint Women's Leadership Symposium 25-28 June.
Captain Heath Johnmeyer, Commanding Officer, PCU District of Columbia (SSBN-826) pinning on Senior Chief to YNSCS (SS) Eric Opitz
Captain Heath Johnmeyer presents MMN2 Samuel T. Boudreau with his Good Conduct Medal (First Award). The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) was established by the Secretary of the Navy on 26 April 1869 to recognize the "all-around" good Navy enlisted person, well qualified in all phases of conduct and performance.
Please send any questions, feedback, or comments to us at [email protected].
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