Raritan Bay Power Squadron Event 6/26/2021
Thanks to the RBPS for inviting us to speak at their annual picnic event at the John C. Bartlett, Jr. County Park at Berkeley Island this past weekend.
We appreciate the opportunity afforded us to present information about the PCU New Jersey*.
The Colors, Pledge of Allegiance, and Introductions
The formal portion of the event started with a presentation of the colors by the JROTC from Colts Neck High School.
This was immediately followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
The colors were then retired prior to our host (and committee member) Joseph Velez introducing Stephen Hutton (committee chairman) who gave some opening remarks and a high level presentation.
Navy League and the Origins of the Commissioning Committee
Daniel Dermer (committee secretary) then spoke about the Navy League of the United States and the Central Jersey Council in particular as a way of describing some of the specific things the council does and how the Commissioning Committee had its origins within the Navy League.
What Is A Commissioning?
Next up was Peter Engelman (committee member) who is a ‘Blue and Gold officer’ and retired US Navy Submariner. Peter really dug deeper into what a commissioning entails and our needs are, not just for donations to allow us to conduct the events we intend on, but also the need for volunteers to help organize and coordinate various activities. Peter ‘painted a picture’ for the audience on what a commissioning event really looks and feels like.
Message From The Chief Of the Boat
Peter also read a message from the Chief Of The Boat. The COB was kind enough to write a message expressing eagerness for the crew to build a relationship with their namesake state of New Jersey.
The weather cooperated and the day and location were excellent. Thanks to all involved, and we hope to conduct many more information sharing events in the future.
*PCU stands for Pre-Commissioning Unit. Only upon completion of the commissioning will the boat acquire the designation USS New Jersey