Join the Crew

Help us support those assigned to the USS District of Columbia who serve and sacrifice on behalf of all Americans

Why Donate?

Become a part of U.S. Naval history by helping us build an enduring relationship between the Crew of the USS District of Columbia and the People of the District throughout the life of SSBN-826.

Endowed Scholarships

Raising funds to establish endowed scholarships for the USS District of Columbia Blue and Gold Crews through the Dolphin Scholarship Foundation who is Turning Dreams into Reality, One Scholarship at a Time.

Community Outreach

Sponsoring local events to raise awareness & pride in the honor of having a ship named after the District while introducing the Crew to the vibrant neighborhoods and rich culture of DC "beyond the monuments".

Ship Enhancements

Providing quality-of-life-shipboard enhancements not covered by the Navy ranging from improvements to SSBN-826's Resource Center to exercise equipment to memorabilia from the District.

Commissioning Activities

Seeking contributions to cover the costs of activities and events leading up to and including Commissioning Week such as local "Watch Parties", activities for the Blue and Gold Crews and their families, and plank owner plaques.

Sponsorship Levels

Our sponsorship levels and the associated recognition for your donation

Father of the Modern Submarine

$1,000,000

John Philip Holland, the Father of the Modern Submarine, was an Irish immigrant who came to America to build a “submergible torpedo boat” that could operate silently beneath the waves. Despite having no formal mechanical, engineering, or military training, Mr. Holland designed a state-of-the-art American submarine (USS Holland SS-1), forever changing naval warfare.

Recognition
Like John Holland, you willingly tackle challenges others describe as “it can’t be done” to achieve success despite the odds. We will work with you to develop appropriate recognition per your wishes.

41 for Freedom

$500,000

The USS George Washington was the first in a group of 41 ballistic missile submarines nicknamed the “41 for Freedom.” These revolutionary submarines were named for eminent leaders in American history. You, like the “41 for Freedom” ground-breaking submarines and their Namesakes, are a leader.

Recognition
  • 14 Distinguished Gold preferred seating for the Commissioning Ceremonies
  • 14 Invitations to all Pre-Commissioning Events
  • 24” model of the USS District of Columbia
  • Honorary Plank Owner Plaque
  • Commemorative Cribbage Set
  • Full-page recognition in Commissioning Publication
  • Permanent Recognition on Shipboard Commissioning Plaque
  • Recognition on our Website Donor Wall
  • Contribution made to USS District of Columbia (SSBN-826) Endowed Scholarships Fund

Lady Columbia

$250,000

An early symbol of our country, Lady Columbia symbolized justice, peace, and victory throughout the Revolution and during the early years of our nation. Like Columbia, you embody our nation's highest aspirations.

Recognition
  • 12 Distinguished Gold preferred seating for the Commissioning Ceremonies
  • 12 Invitations to all Pre-Commissioning Events
  • Honorary Plank Owner Plaque
  • Commemorative Cribbage Set
  • Full-page recognition in Commissioning Publication
  • Permanent Recognition on Shipboard Commissioning Plaque
  • Recognition on our Website Donor Wall
  • Contribution made to USS District of Columbia (SSBN-826) Endowed Scholarships Fund

Four Star Admiral

$100,000

Four Star Admirals have achieved the highest rank in the U.S. Navy. These hard-working, dedicated professionals serve our nation with honor and distinction. You, like the Navy’s Admirals, bring energy, passion and dedication to our mission.

Recognition
  • 10 Distinguished Gold preferred seating for the Commissioning Ceremonies
  • 10 Invitations to all Pre-Commissioning Events
  • Honorary Plank Owner Plaque
  • Commemorative Cribbage Set
  • Full-page recognition in Commissioning Publication
  • Permanent Recognition on Shipboard Commissioning Plaque
  • Recognition on our Website Donor Wall
  • Contribution made to USS District of Columbia (SSBN-826) Endowed Scholarships Fund

Command at Sea

$75,000

Those selected for Command at Sea have demonstrated exceptional performance, professional expertise, and leadership. You also strive to lead; we welcome your example.

Recognition
  • 8 Distinguished Gold preferred seating for the Commissioning Ceremonies
  • 8 Invitations to all Pre-Commissioning Events
  • Honorary Plank Owner Plaque
  • Commemorative Cribbage Set
  • Half-page recognition in Commissioning Publication
  • Permanent Recognition on Shipboard Commissioning Plaque
  • Recognition on our Website Donor Wall
  • Contribution made to USS District of Columbia (SSBN-826) Endowed Scholarships Fund

Chief of the Boat (COB)

$50,000

The COB leverages his extensive Submariner experience and technical expertise, his leadership and mentorship skills to advise the Commanding Officer, develop his Chiefs, and ensure the success of his Crew. Like the COB, you bring your expertise and guidance to every task.

Recognition
  • 6 Distinguished Gold preferred seating for the Commissioning Ceremonies
  • 6 Invitations to all Pre-Commissioning Events
  • Honorary Plank Holder Plaque
  • Commemorative Cribbage Set
  • Half-page recognition in Commissioning Publication
  • Permanent Recognition on Shipboard Commissioning Plaque
  • Recognition on our Website Donor Wall
  • Contribution made to USS District of Columbia (SSBN-826) Endowed Scholarships Fund

Submarine Dolphins

$25,000

The qualification process for the Submarine Warfare Device, known as “Dolphins,” is extremely rigorous. It includes demonstrating extensive knowledge—including at an oral board--of all submarine systems, operations, damage control, casualty procedures, and watchstanding. Dolphins are worn with pride. You are also distinguished by your mastery of knowledge.

Recognition
  • 4 Distinguished Gold preferred seating for the Commissioning Ceremonies
  • 4 Invitations to all Pre-Commissioning Events
  • Honorary Plank Owner Plaque
  • Commemorative Cribbage Set
  • Quarter-page recognition in Commissioning Publication
  • Permanent Recognition on Shipboard Commissioning Plaque
  • Recognition on our Website Donor Wall
  • Contribution made to USS District of Columbia (SSBN-826) Endowed Scholarships Fund

Submariner

$10,000

The Submariner understands the extent the entire boat depends on each individual for all aspects of operating their submarine. It is one of the most difficult and demanding assignments in the Navy. You strive to do your part on behalf of the Team.

Recognition
  • 2 Distinguished Gold preferred seating for the Commissioning Ceremonies
  • 2 Invitations to all Pre-Commissioning Events
  • Honorary Plank Owner Plaque
  • Quarter-page recognition in Commissioning Publication
  • Permanent Recognition on Shipboard Commissioning Plaque
  • Recognition on our Website Donor Wall
  • Contribution made to USS District of Columbia (SSBN-826) Endowed Scholarships Fund

Justitia Omnibus

$5,000

SSBN-826’s motto, “Justitia Omnibus” means “justice for all.” It’s also the motto for the submarine’s Namesake, the District of Columbia. “Justitia Omnibus” serves as your informal motto as well.

Recognition
  • 2 Distinguished Gold preferred seating for the Commissioning Ceremonies
  • 2 Invitations to all Pre-Commissioning Events
  • Recognition in Commissioning Book
  • Recognition on our Website Donor Wall

Plank Owner

$1,000

Plank Owners are members of the Crew of a ship when that ship was placed in Commission. You roll up your sleeves whenever it’s required to take something to the next level.

Recognition
  • Honorary Plank Owner certificate
  • Recognition in our Commissioning Book
  • Recognition on our Website Donor Wall

Cherry Blossom

ANY

A single cherry blossom is pretty but, at Peak Bloom, when thousands and thousands of cherry blossoms rim the Tidal Basin, the result is breathtaking. You too realize it takes the efforts of many to succeed.

Recognition
  • Recognition in our Commissioning Book
  • Recognition on our Website Donor Wall

Our Commitment

100% of your donation goes to Commissioning activities, quality of life enhancements, and our endowed scholarships

We are an all-Volunteer team

How to donate?

Contributions in any denomination are appreciated

Pay with a Credit Card

Use our DONATE buttons below to contribute securely by Credit Card.

Send us a Check

Checks may be made payable to USS District of Columbia Commissioning Committee and mailed to:

Navy League of the United States, National Capital Council
c/o USS District of Columbia Commissioning
PO Box 3352
Silver Spring, MD 20918

Set Up a Payment Plan

Interested in donating at a higher Sponsorship Tier but, would like to pay over multiple years? If so, please contact us at [email protected].

Make Non-Monetary Donations

We also welcome non-monetary donations. For non-monetary or in-kind donations, please contact us at [email protected]

The USS District of Columbia SSBN-826 Commissioning Committee is a 501(c)(3) non-profit under the National Capital Council of the Navy League (NCCNL).

NCCNL is a charity registered with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and the State of Virginia.

All donations are tax deductible in accordance with state and federal guidelines.

Tax ID Number: 23-7348093.

Refund Policy: No refunds

Contributors

The USS District of Columbia Commissioning Committee would like to acknowledge the Generosity of our Donors

Submarine Dolphins Level
Submariner Level
Goggins Consulting LLC
Plank Owner Level
CAPT(Ret) Susan & Mr. Kevin Chiaravalle, USN
Cherry Blossom Level
  • RADM(ret) Dave Goggins, USN
  • Bethany Klein
  • FLTCM(SS/AW/SW/PJ) Michael J. McCalip, USN
  • Lisa Phillips
  • Mr. Vincent N. Robinson