Quarterly Newsletter
Supporting the Commissioning and the Crew of the USS District of Columbia
May 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 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 Committee
The USS District of Columbia Commissioning Committee
The View from the Top
Rear Admiral (Ret) David Goggins
Update from the Chairman
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.
Captain Heath Johnmeyer
Update from the CO
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.
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
First Official USS District of Columbia Commissioning Committee Event
The USS District of Commissioning Committee and guests enjoyed a wonderful evening at the British Embassy for our first official Commissioning Committee event for the USS District of Columbia (SSBN-826)—the lead ship of the Columbia Class SSBN and future cornerstone of our nation’s sea-based strategic deterrent.
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PCU District of Columbia Crew Members Conduct First Namesake Visit
10 PCU District of Columbia Crew members visited DC as part of a community engagement initiative to honor the boat’s Namesake. Namesake visits provide an opportunity for Sailors to build relationships and develop strong ties between the submarine and the city Washingtonians call home.
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USS District of Columbia (SSBN-826) "Patrols" Sea Air Space 2025
The USS District of Columbia Commissioning Committee supported the Navy League of the United States Sea Air Space 2025 STEM Expo and April Conference and Exposition from April 6-9.
District of Columbia Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DC DAR) Deep Dive Dinner
Guest Speaker, RADM(Ret) David Goggins, USN, USS District of Columbia Commissioning Committee Chairman, provided DC DAR members with an update on the construction of the first warship ever named for the District, our engagement with the Crew, and our Commissioning Committee efforts.
Upcoming Events and Key Dates
Make sure you catch us at one of these events
JULY 16, 2025
235th Anniversary of the Founding of the District of Columbia
AUGUST 21, 2025
Navy Day at Nationals
Nationals Park
Construction Update
Delivery of the Final Propulsor Component
The Navy’s Naval Foundry and Propeller Center delivered the final major propulsor component for the future USS District of Columbia, to General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB) April 8. GDEB accepted the component in Philadelphia, and transported it to the shipyard in Groton, CT, where it arrived April 10.
Namesake Spotlights
Meet some of the Naval Leaders born and raised in the District.
Rear Admiral (Ret) Lawrence C. Chambers
After graduating Dunbar High School as class valedictorian, Admiral Larry Chambers became the second African American graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy in 1952 and the first to reach flag rank. He established VA-67 with the new A-7B and served as its first Commanding Officer, flying combat missions over Vietnam. Promoted to Captain, he commanded USS White Plains (AFS-4) and later USS Midway (CV-41), becoming the first African American to command an aircraft carrier. Promoted to Rear Admiral, he served as Commander, CSG-3, CSG-4, and Vice Commander, Naval Air Systems Command.
Naval Heritage, History, and Traditions
Deciphering the Crest
Navy tradition requires that each ship of the United States Navy have its own distinct coat of arms, which reflects both the heritage embodied in the ship’s namesake and its future mission objectives. Learn what the crest for SSBN-826 means.
U.S. Naval Observatory's Early Role in Keeping Time in DC
Did you know that starting in 1845, the U.S. Naval Observatory made sure that local Washingtonians were always on time? At the request of the Secretary of the Navy, the U.S. Naval Observatory installed a "time ball" atop the 9.6-inch telescope dome. The time ball was dropped daily (except Sunday) precisely at local mean solar noon, enabling the inhabitants of Washington to set their timepieces. Ships in the Potomac River could also check the rates of their chronometers before putting to sea.
Crew Updates
Catch up on the latest crew awards, achievements, and activities
PCU District of Columbia's (SSBN-826) Commanding Officer, Captain Heath Johnmeyer, and Lieutenant Groshek, the Electrical Assistant, present EMN1(SS) Kwame Boahene with a his nuclear Enlisted Supervisor Retention Pay (ESRP) check. The U.S. Navy's ESRP program provides a retention incentive for nuclear trained supervisory Sailors with highly specialized skills who are willing to make the Navy a career choice. The ESRP program became effective 5 November 2004; skills must be defined as a "critical skill" in accordance with 37, U.S.Code section 331. Congratulations Petty Officer Boahene and thank you for your dedicated service to our Navy and our nation!
Captain Heath Johnmeyer, Commanding Officer, PCU District of Columbia (SSBN-826) presents Lieutenant Junior Grade Daniel R. Beaird with the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (Gold Star in lieu of the Third Award) for meritorious service while serving as the USS George Washington (CVN-73) Repair Officer from November 2021 to December 2023. The medal was created 11 January 1944 to recognize heroic or meritorious achievement or service performed in a manner above that normally expected, and sufficient to distinguish the individual above those performing similar services
Captain Heath Johnmeyer presents ITN1(SS) Mikel R. Treece with a Commander, Submarine Group TEN Citation recognizing him as the Sailor of the Quarter for the Fourth Quarter 2024 for his outstanding performance of duty while serving as the Information Warfare Leading Petty Officer onboard PCU District of Columbia (SSBN-826).
Rear Admiral Robert E. Wirth, Commander, Submarine Group TEN, presents EMN1(SS) John W. Foy with a Commander, Submarine Group TEN Citation recognizing him as the Sailor of the Quarter for the Second Quarter 2024 for his outstanding performance of duty while serving as the Electrical Division Leading Petty Officer onboard PCU District of Columbia (SSBN-826). Former Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Zumwalt, established the Sailor of the Quarter/Sailor of the Year program in 1972 as a way to recognize "...individuals at each command who symbolize the pride and professionalism inherent in the outstanding performance of many Navy Enlisted Personnel."
Rear Admiral Robert E. Wirth, Commander, Submarine Group TEN, presents MMN2(SS) Gracie J. Machin with a Commander, Submarine Group TEN Citation recognizing her as the PCU District of Columbia (SSBN-826) Junior Sailor of the Quarter for the Second Quarter 2024 as a result of her outstanding performance as the Reactor Laboratories Division Leading Petty Officer.
Please send any questions, feedback or comments to us at [email protected].
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