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.

We were honored to have the opportunity to introduce many Washingtonians to THEIR submarine, the first ship named for the District of Columbia in the U.S. Navy’s nearly 250 year history. 

Additionally, we were pleased to host many of the USS District of Columbia's early supporters, including Congressman Joe Courtney, shipbuilders, suppliers, and—most importantly—the incredible men and women who'll operate her. The Crew was represented by Commanding Officer, CAPT Heath Johnmeyer, Executive Officer, CDR Matt Swezey, Chief of the Boat, CSSCM(SS) Mark Shipley, and Navigator, LCDR Charles F. Brand.

Guests had an opportunity to observe a demonstration of how a submarine operates at the six foot model of the USS District of Columbia built and “operated” by Mr. Dow Rogers and Mr. Alex Yantis. 

Attendees were welcomed by Royal Navy Commander Nick Stratton MBE before hearing from Committee Chairman, RADM(ret) David Goggins, who outlined Committee goals and announced a scholarship initiative for DC students and for USS District of Columbia Sailors and their families who'll serve onboard throughout her Service Life. The Honorable Carlos Del Toro, 78th Secretary of the Navy, gave brief remarks focused on naming the ship after the District before Director Charlette Woodard, representing Mayor Muriel Bowser, highlighted her pride as a native Washingtonian in having the most capable and advanced submarine in the world named after her hometown. She also focused on DC's partnership with the Committee to increase STEM outreach through Crew visits to every middle and high school in the District. Guest Speaker, ADM(ret) Cecil Haney, having been born and raised in the District of Columbia, also noted his pride in the USS District of Columbia before highlighting his role in seeing the program through requirements definition to construction at General Dynamics Electric Boat as well as the need to support the Crew and their families. 

In closing, Admiral Goggins invited those in attendance as well as their families, friends, and colleagues to join us—as a partner, an advocate, a sponsor, or a civic leader—as we work to give this boat, her Crew, and the people of the District the Commissioning they deserve by "joining the crew" and becoming part of the legacy of the USS District of Columbia!

Please visit ussdc.org or follow us on at ussdc to learn more.