Greetings From The NJ Submarine Commissioning Committee
It is an honor to be part of the commissioning of the USS NEW JERSEY (SSN 796). We are working diligently to ensure that all i's are dotted and t's are crossed - our goal is to have "the best commissioning ever."
There is a great deal of behind the scenes work being done to ensure that the crew is recognized, honored, and supported - for both the commissioning week and time afterwards. They deserve it!
Simultaneously, we are diligently investigating ways to "tell the story" - of the navy, of submarines, of the USS NEW JERSEY, and of the crew. This newsletter is one of the vehicles. We hope you enjoy it, and pass it along to friends and family.
Social Media will play a big role in our communication.
Feel free to use your social media skills to help us spread the word.
Lastly - we will be engaging in relationships with newspapers, radio stations, etc. to provide another medium to inform the public. Be on the look-out.
It will be a great ride. We'll make sure that you stay informed. Enjoy!!
~ Peter Engelman, Treasurer and Trustee
News from the Boat
The crew of PCU NEW JERSEY started out the month of April prepping for and successfully completing the Reactor Safeguard Exam certifying the crew for initial criticality and Power Range Steam Testing (PRST).
The crew will now go into the shift work until Steam Testing is complete. On April 14th, NEW JERSEY Celebrated the Submarine Community by attending the Submarine Birthday Ball in Virginia Beach, VA. The ball was a major success and was led by the Master of Ceremony COB STSCM Hamilton Felt. As the AFT portion of the boat completes PRST, FWD departments will continue training toward Sea Trial Operations and delivering PCU NEW JERSEY to the Naval Fleet.
Introducing Our Newest Trustee
Mike Zimmerman has joined the Commissioning Committee as its newest Trustee. Mr. Zimmerman recently retired from the New Jersey State Police after nearly three decades of service.
Elizabeth, NJ - The Birthplace of the United States Submarine Force
The birthday of the United States Submarine Force is April 11. Numerous military units and veterans’ organizations celebrate this special day every year with ballroom dinners, ceremonies, proclamations of remembrance, and more. Conspicuously absent from these Submarine Birthday celebrations is any mention or recognition of the Submarine Birthplace: Elizabeth, New Jersey.
The Commissioning Committee partnered with the City of Elizabeth, the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, the Elizabeth Destination Marketing Organization, and the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in recognizing the role that Elizabeth, NJ has played in the development of the US Submarine Force and more formally recognize Elizabeth, NJ as the Birthplace of the United States Submarine Force.
Eight members of the crew, including Captain Steven Halle, made the trip from Norfolk, VA, where the USS NEW JERSEY (SSN 796) is in its final stages of construction, to Elizabeth, NJ early April.
Along the way, the crew stopped in Camden, NJ, to tour the Battleship New Jersey (BB 62), the second of three Navy vessels to share the name “New Jersey.”
While in Elizabeth, the crew attended assemblies at Juan Pablo Duarte - Jose Julian Marti School No. 28, the site where Electric Boat, now a subsidiary of General Dynamics, built and launched the USS HOLLAND (SS-1) on 11 April, 1900.
In addition to the visits to the school, the crew and members of the Commissioning Committee appeared on the Mayor’s TV show and SPT Television, discussing the construction and upcoming commissioning of the boat and sharing their experiences in the Navy.
Jennifer Costa, President of the Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce was a gracious host and tour guide throughout the week, introducing the crew and committee to local businesses and organizations including Community Access Unlimited, IKEA, First Presbyterian Church, Imperial Ring, Roc’s Bakery, and the Newark Airport.
Tuesday evening of our visit, the crew were able to interact with several fans at the NJ Devils game. The Devils showed their strength in a victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-1.
On the way back to Norfolk, the crew stopped for a visit with team members at Johnson & Johnson in New Brunswick. Captain Steven A. Halle, together with Joseph Velez, a Trustee with the Commissioning Committee, presented a plaque to John Perez, Head of Military and Veterans Affairs, and Gina Fritz, Manager of FM Services, in recognition of J&J's continued support of the boat and her crew.
The four day “Namesake” visit was quite a success.
The Committee is planning its next multi-day visit for August to coincide with the Atlantic City Air Show.
