Quarterly Newsletter
Supporting the Commissioning and the Crew of the USS District of Columbia
January 2026
Welcome aboard!
Welcome to our new Subscribers and welcome back to everyone else. We’re incredibly thankful for your interest in the USS District of Columbia Commissioning Committee as well as our work on behalf of the Commissioning and Crew of the first warship ever named for the District of Columbia!
Congratulations on becoming part of United States Naval History through your interest, ideas, and support of the Commissioning and Crew of the USS District of Columbia.
If you are 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!
Warm 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 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.
Captain Heath Johnmeyer
Update from the CO
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.
Join the Crew
We invite you to be part of U.S. Naval history by Joining the Crew supporting the commissioning of the USS District of Columbia. This once-in-a-generation moment allows each of us to honor the Sailors who will serve aboard this extraordinary submarine throughout her 40+ years of duty.
Our all-volunteer Commissioning Committee is working to ensure every Sailor assigned to the USS District of Columbia has the resources, support, and quality-of-life opportunities they deserve. Your contribution—no matter the size—directly helps us care for the men and women who protect our nation beneath the sea.
By Joining the Crew, you’re sending a powerful message: that the people of Washington, D.C.—and communities across the nation—stand firmly behind these Sailors and honor the sacrifices they make on our behalf.
Every gift will be proudly recognized on our website and in the official Commemorative Commissioning Book.
Join the Crew today—and help us launch this historic submarine with the honor it deserves.
Hail and Farewell
Traditionally, the men and women of Naval commands periodically gather to "Hail" new arrivals and "Farewell" Shipmates who are departing. We intend to use this section to Hail those who've opted to "Join our Crew" by supporting the USS District of Columbia Commissioning Committee.
This Quarter, we'd like to Hail our Cherry Blossom supporters–many of whom were our earliest Contributors--and officially Welcome them Aboard! As we note on our website, "A single cherry blossom is pretty but, at Peak Bloom, when thousands and thousands of cherry blossoms rim the Tidal Basin, the result is breathtaking."
Thank you to
Our Cherry Blossom Donors
Gary and Dale Abrahams Family Charitable Gift Fund
J Roger Camp
Aaron Cooperman
Charles Creekman
Kathy A Dempsey
Joe Doogan
Stephen B Fadullon
Luke T Ferguson
Jason Halpern
Bethany Klein
Kristi Lamone
Lars Lindland
Mary Mortimer
Beau Mullenhoff
David Andrew Pettersen
Lisa Phillips
Vincent N Robinson
David J Robocker
St. Marys Submarine Museum
News in the Community
"Patrolling" Naval Submarine League's 43rd Annual Symposium & Industry Update
The Naval Submarine League invited the USS District of Columbia Commissioning Committee to support their 8 January 2026 43rd Annual Symposium & Industry Update (ASIU) hosted in Carahsoft's Reston facility.
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USS District of Columbia Commissioning Committee Supports Wreaths Across America
On 13 December, members of the USS District of Columbia Commissioning Committee supported Wreaths Across America. Committee volunteers joined Legionnaires from DC's National Defense Post 46, The American Legion, to remember and honor nearly 1,800 Veterans, from every American war, interred at the Historic Congressional Cemetery. This is the second year the Historic Congressional Cemetery participated in the national nonprofit Wreaths Across America’s yearlong mission to "Remember, Honor, Teach".
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DC-Based Business Leaders Tour USS Pasadena (SSN-752)
A group of DC based business leaders had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tour the USS PASADENA (SSN-752) and meet many of her Sailors on Friday, September 19. The tour provided business leaders the opportunity to learn about the mission of the Submarine Force before attendees were briefed on "their" submarine, the USS District of Columbia (SSBN-826), which is expected to commission in 2029.
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USS District of Columbia Commissioning Committee members visit Mayor's Office for Veterans Affairs
USS District of Columbia Commissioning Committee members, Bethany Klein, who also serves as the Executive Director, National Capital Council, Navy League of the United States, and Susan Chiaravalle met with Colonel Charlette Woodard, USA (ret), Director of the Mayor's Office for Veterans Affairs (MOVA) on 12 September 2025.
Navy’s Best Teams Up with One of IndyCar’s Best
Captain Heath Johnmeyer, Commanding Officer (CO), PCU District of Columbia (SSBN-826), had the opportunity to represent the U.S. Navy and the District of Columbia at the Snap-On Milwaukee Mile 250 race.
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Supporting the Naval & Maritime Consortium's 4th Annual Boats, Burgers & Beer Event
Captain Heath Johnmeyer, Commanding Officer (CO), PCU District of Columbia (SSBN-826), served as the Naval & Maritime Consortium's Guest Speaker during their 4th annual Boats, Burgers & Beer event. Attendees noted Captain Johnmeyer hit on a few "home run" topics, including an update on construction of the first-in-class, District of Columbia (SSBN-826). The CO was joined at the event by District of Columbia's Chief of the Boat (COB) Mark Shipley.
Washington Nationals Host the U.S. Navy for Navy Day
On August 21st, the Washington Nationals honored U.S. Navy Sailors from across the National Capital Region during Navy Day at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.
As part of the Navy Day celebration, Senior Chief Jake Pendergrass, Chief Jessica Barnes, Petty Officers Shadiyd Fuller, Bradley Harbottle, Bailey McInnis, and Mikel Treece, some of the Sailors assigned to PCU District of Columbia (SSBN-826), traveled from Groton, CT to DC to join members of the USS District of Columbia Commissioning Committee -- Bethany Klein, Lauren Yancey, and Leo Cruz -- at Nationals Park.
Committee Members Tour PCU District of Columbia Construction and Meet with Crew Members
Eight USS District of Columbia Commissioning Committee members were offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel -- on our own dime -- to General Dynamics Electric Boat's (GDEB) Quonset Point, RI and Groton, CT sites to tour construction of PCU District of Columbia and meet with Crew Members.
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SSBN-826 Commanding Officer Visits the Capitol Chapter of the Naval Submarine League
Captain Heath Johnmeyer, Commanding Officer PCU District of Columbia, spoke to the Capitol Chapter of the Naval Submarine League on 17 June, continuing his Community Engagement with the people of the District, SSBN-826's Namesake. CAPT Johnmeyer updated the attendees about the construction progress, platform capability and crew training.
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.
Upcoming Events and Key Dates
Hope to see you!
MARCH 3, 2026
Annual SIBC Supplier Days Conference
APRIL 1, 2026
133rd Chief Petty Officer Birthday
APRIL 11, 2026
U.S. Submarine Force's 126th Birthday
APRIL 19-22, 2026
SeaAirSpace 2026
Construction Update
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Delivery of New Floating Dry Dock Atlas
General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB) recently announced Columbia-class submarines will roll out and launch from their South Yard Assembly Building (SYAB) using a new floating dry dock called Atlas. Built by Bollinger Shipyards in Louisiana, Atlas arrived at GDEB’s Groton, CT Shipyard on January 3, 2026, and is 618 feet long by 90 feet high by 140 feet wide. This height is the total height of the dry dock. Typically, Atlas will stand 60’ above the adjacent deck, which is about 40% of the height of the SYAB. When in operation, the dry dock will travel along the south face of the SYAB and align to either of the assembly bays. When not in operation, Atlas will be moored closer to the shoreline.
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Delivery of First Columbia-Class Bow
Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) delivered the bow for first-in-class submarine District of Columbia (SSBN-826) to General Dynamics Electric Boat (EB). “This significant milestone marks completion of the majority of NNS’ work on SSBN-826. With all of SSBN-826’s major modules at EB, the boat will begin final assembly and testing,” a Navy spokesperson stated. Columbia-class submarines are built in modular sections between EB’s yard in Groton, Conn., and NNS in Virginia. EB is responsible for the final assembly of the submarines at a custom-built building in Groton.
Namesake Spotlights
The District of Columbia is rich with naval history—meet some of the people who made history and the places where it happened.
Joseph Paul Reason
Born in 1941, Admiral Reason graduated from McKinley Technical High School in 1958 and attended a number of universities before transferring to the U.S. Naval Academy. He graduated in 1965 and entered the U.S. Navy’s nuclear power program serving onboard USS Truxton (DLGN-35), USS Enterprise (CVN-65), USS Mississippi (CGN-40), and commanded the USS Coontz (DDG-40) and later the USS Bainbridge (CGN-25). Admiral Reason served in multiple shore commands, including as the naval aide to President Jimmy Carter, and was the first African American promoted to four-star Admiral in the U.S. Navy. He served as Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet before retiring in 1999.
Charlotte L. Berry
Charlotte L. Berry was born in 1897 and graduated from Washington Business High School in 1915. She took her secretarial skills to the Navy Department and in 1916 petitioned Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels for an appointment in the Navy to free men for combat duty by relieving them of clerical responsibilities; he said no. In March 1917, with the U.S. entry into war imminent and the Navy desperate for clerks and stenographers, he changed his mind and Mrs. Winters and her sister, Sophie, enlisted. By the end of WW I, over 11,000 women, designated Yeoman (F), served as clerks, translators, recruiters, camouflage designers, fingerprint experts, and nurses. Yeoman Winters served as a clerk at the Navy Yard until her discharge in 1919. She then served as a civilian secretary until her retirement in 1953. She was the oldest surviving female who had served in WW I at the time of her death in 2007.
History, Heritage, and Traditions
The Last Ship Commissioned in the District of Columbia
The Washington Navy Yard (WNY), the U.S. Navy’s oldest shore establishment, dates to 2 October 1799, when public land on the Eastern Branch passed into Navy custody. The first U.S. Naval ship ever built in the Yard was the WASP, which was completed in 1806. The USS Sirocco (PC-6) was the most recent U.S. Navy ship commissioned at WNY on June 11, 1994 and the first in 120 years!
Crew Updates
Catch up on the latest crew awards, achievements, and activities
Captain Heath Johnmeyer presents a plaque from the Officers and Crew, PCU District of Columbia to DC's Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice during a Namesake Visit. (From L-R) ETN2(SS) Joshua Moline (Reactor Control Division), ETN2(SS) Conor McLaughlin (Reactor Control Division), Deputy Mayor Appiah, LCDR Peter Roemer (Engineer Officer), LTjg James O'Hara (Main Propulsion Assistant), CAPT Johnmeyer (Commanding Officer), ETN2(SS) Robert Martinez (Reactor Control Division), CSSCM(SS) Mark Shipley (Chief of the Boat), MMN2(SS) Kevin Kerins (Machinery Division), MMN2(SS) Adrian Pua (Machinery Division), and MMN2(SS) Dominic Grote (Machinery Division).
ETN1(SS) Gray poses with his family following his reenlistment in front of salvaged pieces of NR-1 at the Submarine Force Library and Museum, Groton, CT. Thank you Petty Officer Gray! NR-1, conceived by ADM Hyman Rickover, was built following the loss of the USS Thresher to expand the Navy’s ocean investigation capabilities.
Crew members performing Community Service work.
Crew members participate in warm up exercises at the start of their semi-annual Physical Fitness Assessment.
PCU District of Columbia (SSBN-826) Crew members get ready for their 1.5 mile run as part of their semi-annual Physical Fitness Assessment.
PCU District of Columbia Crew members pose for a group photo after their semi-annual command Physical Fitness Assessment.
PCU District of Columbia Sailors spend time ship riding as part of their training and qualification process. These Sailors are enjoying a much deserved break after deploying with the USS Georgia (SSGN-729).
LCDR Pete Roemer, Engineer, and CAPT Heath Johnmeyer present Petty Officer Butler with his Selective Reenlistment Bonus check. Thank you Petty Officer Butler for your service and sacrifices!
PCU District of Columbia Crew members wave their caps to fans during Washington Nationals “Salute to Service”.
LT Churchill gets an autograph at the Washington Nationals – Detroit Tigers game
14 members of PCU District of Columbia (SSBN-826) proudly represented the U.S. Navy, the USS District of Columbia, and their Namesake – the District of Columbia during the Washington Nationals “Salute to Service” during the July game versus the Detroit Tigers.
After the Nationals-Tigers game, LT Bowman with LT Churchill and Senior Chief Opitz shows off his autographed baseball
Members of PCU District of Columbia’s Reactor Laboratory Division get ready to enjoy the Annual Submarine Birthday Ball to celebrate the Submarine Force’s founding 125 years ago.
Petty Officers Christopher Ballard and Nathan Powell awarded Good Conduct Medals (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.
ETN1(SS) Renwick T. Griffith proudly displays his nuclear Enlisted Supervisor Retention Pay (ESRP) check with Commander Swezey, Executive Officer. Congratulations Petty Officer Griffith and thank you for your dedicated service to our Navy and our nation!
PCU District of Columbia’s LCDR Chip Brand, Navigator, CDR Matt Swezey, Executive Officer, Captain Heath Johnmeyer, Commanding Officer, Master Chief Mark Shipley, Chief of the Boat, pose with RADM Dave Goggins, USN (Ret.) following an event at the UK embassy.
ETN1(SS) Rupe reaffirms his Oath of Enlistment during his reenlistment ceremony.
Members of PCU District of Columbia Crew supported the Hero100 Folds of Honor Golf Marathon which raises funds to provide life-changing scholarships to families of America’s fallen or disabled military and first responders.
ETN1(SS) Rupe and his family pose at the lighthouse following his reenlistment and after receiving his nuclear Enlisted Supervisor Retention Pay (ESRP) check. Congratulations Petty Officer Rupe and Family and thank you for your dedicated service to our Navy and our nation!
Chief Benton (L) and Senior Chief Opitz (R) pose with YNS1 Marquez following his frocking to First Class Petty Officer. In the Navy, frocking, which allows an individual to assume the authority, responsibilities, and privileges of the new paygrade without the associated pay, dates back to at least 1802.
Lieutenant Groshek, the Electrical Assistant, and Captain Heath Johnmeyer, Commanding Officer, present EMN1(SS) James Nirva his Enlisted Supervisor Retention Pay (ESRP) check following his reenlistment. 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 Nirva!
Chief Smith checks out the Oscar Mayer vehicle, called the Wienermobile. Did you know there are six Wienermobiles driven across America by college-aged “Hotdoggers,” spreading joy and handing out whistles. Carl Mayer created the first vehicle in 1936 to boost sales during the Depression.
Following a tour of the Pentagon, ETN1(SS) Murphy take his turn behind the podium in the press briefing room
LT Bowman steps up to the “mike” in the Pentagon’s press briefing room
MMN2(SS) Boudreau gets ready to “give” a press briefing during a Pentagon tour
Following a tour of the Pentagon, YNSCS(SS) Opitz steps up to the podium in the Pentagon’s press briefing room and is "ready to take questions."
Lieutenant Junior Grade Daniel R. Beaird and Commanding Officer, Captain Heath Johnmeyer present MMN1(SS) Bryan S. Beekman with 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 Beekman!
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