USS District of Columbia "Sails the Monster Mile" with NASCAR's All Stars!

Posted on May 17, 2026.
The USS District of Columbia Commissioning Committee took our six foot working model to NASCAR's All-Star Weekend to take on Dover Motor Speedway's "Monster Mile!"
The Dover Motor Speedway's "Monster Monument" presides over the FanZone
PCU District of Columbia's (SSBN-826) LCDR "Chip" Brand (Navigator); EDMC(SS) Benjamin Schulz (Engineering Department Master Chief) MMACS(SS) Joshua Kerr (Maintenance and Material Management Coordinator); MMNC(SS) Tom Bolin (Machinery Division Chief); ETN2(SS) Keihin Lee (Reactor Controls Technician); and MMN2 Isabela Braun (Engineering Laboratory Technician) traveled from Groton, Connecticut to Dover, Delaware to "operate" our model and engage with fans throughout NASCAR's All-Star Weekend.
Commissioning Committee Volunteers Barb, Susan and Jennifer along with Petty Officers Lee and Braun, Senior Chief Kerr, LCDR Brand, and Master Chief Schulz get the model ready before the FanZone opens to the public
They joined Commissioning Committee Volunteers Tim and April Braun; Barb Witten and Randy Bradley; Jennifer Kaye; and Susan Chiaravalle.
Chief Tom Bolin engages a young NASCAR Fan and his Dad.

Crew members provided NASCAR fans with a short demonstration of how a submarine operates and answered fan's questions throughout the weekend.
PCU District of Columbia Crew Members talk with NASCAR Fans

The Crew absolutely loved talking about their submarine -- the USS District of Columbia, which will be the largest, stealthiest, and most capable submarine in the world when commissioned in 2029.
Our activation spot in the Dover Motor Speedway's FanZone, which is regarded as the best FanZone in NASCAR!
Additionally, they enjoyed exchanging "sea stories" with Veterans, demonstrating how a submarine operates, and answering questions of all kinds from the youngest to the most seasoned NASCAR Fan. The Crew were also happy to talk to interested Fans about BuildSubmarines, which helps connect job seekers with companies currently building these incredibly complex platforms!
Petty Officer Lee helps "qualify" a youngster as USS District of Columbia's WEPS.
Thanks to all the kids who stepped up to serve as USS District of Columbia's WEPS (Weapons Officer) to assist us in eliminating all the "adversaries" in our tent ceiling by launching "missiles" (nerf darts) when ordered by the President (role played)!!

The Crew loved their once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet RFK Racing Drivers, Brad Keselowski (No. 6) and Chris Buescher (No. 17) before the big race.
PCU District of Columbia Crew members meet BuildSubmarines Driver, Chris Buescher (No. 17), Race Day morning!
We'd like to thank our amazing hosts, Katelyn Brown, Meredith Johnson, and Shawna Parks with Build Submarines, for this incredible opportunity and for co-locating RFK Racing's Build Submarines Show Car with us (special thanks goes to Show Car Transport Driver Dale as well!).
Petty Officer Braun, Senior Chief Kerr, Chief Bolin, LCDR Brand, and Master Chief Schulz pose with BuildSubmarines' Show Car co-located with our model.
During the race, Crew members and Volunteers loudly cheered for Brad, Chris, and Ryan Preece (No. 60) - so exciting to see No. 6 power to a top 10 All-Star finish!
Master Chief Schulz, Senior Chief Kerr, Petty Officers Braun and Lee, Chief Bolin, and LCDR Brand pose in front of the "Monster Mile" a few hours before Drivers take to the track for Sunday's All-Star Race.

We're thrilled so many NASCAR Fans made time to enjoy the Crew's short submarine demonstration and chat with some of the U.S. Navy's finest men and women, who'll operate the largest, stealthiest, and most capable submarine in the world, the USS District of Columbia.
Senior Chief Kerr and Chief Bolin demo'ing the USS District of Columbia for NASCAR Fans

Before departing, each Crew member also had a chance to sit in the Show Car to briefly experience being a NASCAR "Driver."
Chief Bolin in the Driver's seat!

The USS District of Columbia is the first in the Columbia Class, representing a generational recapitalization of the ballistic missile submarine force. When commissioned in 2029, it will be the world's most advanced submarine.
Even the University of Delaware's Mascot stopped by
Building the world's most advanced submarine requires talented men and women in companies all across the U.S. applying American ingenuity, innovative solutions, and cutting-edge technologies to manufacture the most complex submarine ever constructed—one that will keep the USA secure for the next four plus decades. Build Submarines is helping connect job-seekers with Columbia's Suppliers to meet that critical need.
BuildSubmarines is helping grow the skilled workforce by 140,000; welding is just one of many career paths critical to building our nation's submarines
Thank you, NASCAR fans, for the generosity of your time, interest, and questions! Each and every one of you contributed to "mission success" during our "patrol" through the Dover Motor Speedway's Fan Zone during NASCAR's All-Star Weekend (15-17 May 2026).

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