Commissioning

Man our ship and bring her to life!

The commissioning ceremony marks the acceptance of a ship as a unit of the operating forces of the United States Navy.

Rear Admiral (Ret) David Goggins

From the committee

Welcome from the Chairman

"It is my distinct honor to introduce you to the USS DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (SSBN-826), the lead ship of the Columbia class submarines. The commissioning committee will introduce Washingtonians to this remarkable vessel, familiarize the crew with the vibrant neighborhoods and rich culture of D.C. “beyond the monuments,” support STEM education for D.C. students with unique submarine-related projects, and more!"
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The Tradition

What is a Commissioning?

The commissioning ceremony marks the acceptance of a ship as a unit of the operating forces of the United States Navy.
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The Milestones

The life of a ship of the U.S. Navy

Many milestones are completed between the naming and commissioning of a ship. Learn about the key milestones in the voyage.
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Latest Event

Keel Laying Held for USS District of Columbia

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), the Boat’s Sponsor and delegate to the House of Representative from the ship’s Namesake, attended the Keel Laying ceremony where her initials were welded onto a plate in a time-honored Milestone in the life of a ship.
The Commissioning Committee

Our mission is to honor and welcome the crew, their families, and the vessel to the fleet, and to introduce the crew and their families to the citizens of the District of Columbia.

A Commissioning Committee provides a wide range of events leading up to the commissioning itself. These events are to honor and welcome the crew, their families, and the to-be commissioned vessel to the fleet.

The intent is also to introduce the crew and their families to the citizens of the District of Columbia and raise awareness to the continuation of the proud heritage of the name “USS District of Columbia”.

The Commissioning Committee's sole purpose is to fund what the Government does not. All contributions will enhance the quality of life for all those who will serve aboard the USS District of Columbia (SSBN-826).
Meet the members
Committee Chair

Commissioning Committee

Honorary Advisory Council

About us

Citizens in Support of the Sea Services

The Navy League of the United States, founded in 1902 with the support of President Theodore Roosevelt, is a nonprofit educational and advocacy organization that supports America's Sea Services. The National Capital Council fulfills this mission in Washington, D.C. and serves as the Lead Council, in partnership with Navy League Hampton Roads, for the USS District of Columbia SSBN-826 Commissioning Committee.
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