A Submarine Commissioning Approaches!

The crest of USS COLORADO (SSN 788) is contained within the silhouette of the head of a charging mustang, symbolizing the determined nature of the great state of Colorado. This nature of unbridled determination will carry on in the attitude of the crew of USS COLORADO. The fundamental elements of the background are derived from the Colorado state. Above the waterline lies the white, snow-covered Rocky Mountains standing tall over the landscape and concealing destructive power within their icy ridges. These mountains represent the mighty and majestic nature of submarines. Upon the reflection in the water rests a submarine, representing USS COLORADO, transiting forward, into the unknown. Along the collar of the horse lie seven stars that represent the Battle Stars awarded to the battleship USS COLORADO (BB-45) for exemplary service in World War II, and reflect the spirit of excellence present in the crew aboard the new USS COLORADO. Finally, the Latin motto, Terra Marique Indomita translates to “untamed by land and sea”. Although only three words and a straightforward translation, the motto actually has three distinct meanings: Terra Indomita: The first part above the water, recognizes the state of Colorado standing untamed by land throughout history ; Marique Indomita: The second part from the reflection, recognizes the submarine, USS COLORADO, standing untamed by the sea; Terra Marique Indomita: Together, the motto recognizes the spirit of USS COLORADO, both the ship and her crew, a spirit that remains untamed by the rugged terrain and weather extremes of land, and untamed by the rough waves and dark depths of the sea. From late 2014 into early 2015, the USS Colorado (SSN 788) Commissioning Committee coordinated a competition to design the official crest of the USS COLORADO. In April 2015, after receiving over 100 submissions from all across the world, the Commissioning Committee and the crew of PCU COLORADO evaluated the submissions and ultimately selected the design of Michael F. Nielson, to serve as the ship’s official crest. After the selection, the designer was contacted to provide some personal background information and finalize the design. It was at that time the command and the Commissioning Committee learned that the designer was both a naval officer and Colorado native who was completing initial training for the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, and had orders to report to PCU COLORADO. After completion of his training in October 2015, LTJG Nielson reported to PCU COLORADO as one of the first two Junior Officers. Be it hereby known, that this is the official crest of the USS COLORADO (SSN 788). (Source)

SSN 788 during her Alpha Trials
(Source)

If all goes well, The Missus Herself, The Nuke, and Your Humble Scribe will be attending the commissioning ceremony of USS Colorado (SSN 788) on the 17th of March over at Groton in Connecticut.

Because of her job The Nuke often has the opportunity to interface with the submarine fleet. She thought that it would be very special for us to attend the commissioning of one of America's newest warships.

It's special because Colorado is the first state which we lived in as a family after returning to the United States from Korea back in 1982. The Nuke was born in Colorado, in Aurora over at the old Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center, we lived in Denver at the time. The WSO, though born in Wyoming (at F.E. Warren AFB in Cheyenne), is a Colorado native as we lived in Fort Collins at the time.

I had two assignments to Lowry AFB in Denver during my career in the Air Force, I also received my bachelor's degree from Colorado State University back in the winter of 1986. (Yes, it was a long time ago.)

Most importantly, The Missus Herself considers Colorado to be her home state. Like I said, it was the first place in the U.S. that she lived.

So the Sarge Tribe has numerous ties to Colorado. I have a deep fondness for the place and had some great times out there. Of course, the most special thing about it was that it was the first place all five of us lived together. So yeah, while Vermont is my home state, and I currently live in Rhode Island, I consider Colorado to be home as well. Love that place.

So it's a real pleasure, and honor, to be able to attend the commissioning of this submarine. (Not to mention that I did do my own small bit in the development of the Virginia-class submarine combat system. Which was interesting and a lot of fun for an old Air Force fart. Some good people put a lot of work into those systems.)

Expect a full report when the day comes. I am really looking forward to it!

Terra Marique Indomita!