September 2024 Newsletter
Letter from NEW JERSEY Commissioning Committee
By Captain Joe Lario, USN, Retired, Trustee
My name is Captain Joseph T Lario, USN (Ret), and I am a proud member of the USS New Jersey (SSN 796) Commissioning Committee. I was born and raised in New Jersey. I am a retired Navy Captain, Submarine Veteran, member of the Holland Club (50 years plus as a qualified submariner). The City of Elizabeth NJ is the birthplace of the USS Holland and thus the birthday place of submarines.
I served 31 years of military service, had command of three (3) nuclear submarines, and have fifteen (15) years of experience at PSEG Nuclear Power Plant. I am a degreed Engineer from Villanova with a Master of Science from Troy State. Currently I am an Adjunct Professor at Cumberland County College and Salem Community College and a teacher at Salem County Vocational Technical School (SCVTS) for the last fourteen (14) years. While I have had a great career, I can think of no greater honor than to be part of the naming and commissioning of the third ship to be named after our great state of New Jersey.
Some opportunities only happen once in a lifetime. The day that Tim Oliver of the Naval Submarine League recommended me to Peter Engelman of the Commissioning Committee to be part of this committee was in fact one of those opportunities. As the senior and most experienced submariner on the committee, I have been able to help guide us toward our goals (as stated below). As a member of the crew interaction sub-committee, I have the opportunity to be directly involved in numerous crew-visits to Camden, New Jersey (my home town).
What is in Camden? The Battleship New Jersey (BB-62) and L3Harris Technologies just to name two examples. Another example was the interaction with a 100-year-old WWII submarine veteran Calvin Moon during which the ship was provided with a special NJ License Plate. There is no question in my mind, having had this opportunity, that we are in the best shape ever with these outstanding men and women of the submarine New Jersey. I have enjoyed every minute I have spent with the crew including an ever-special birthday on board.
The purpose of the USS New Jersey (SSN 796) Commissioning Committee (CCNJ) has been to provide a wide range of events and awards leading up to the commissioning itself. Our goal of the Committee has been to raise funds for crew visits to New Jersey, pay for special events and receptions, gifts for the ship, and start a scholarship fund. For this I want to thank our sponsors for their support of the Commissioning Committee and, more importantly, the USS New Jersey. We are close to achieving all our goals and we are near to the September 14th 2024 Best Commissioning Ever! I am sure we are all looking forward to this great event!
Letter from Middletown Mayor Tony Perry
By Tony Perry, Mayor of Middletown
Commander Steven Halle
USS NEW JERSEY (SSN 796)
Dear Commander Steven Halle, Officers, and Crew of the USS NEW JERSEY (SSN 796):
It is with immense pride and gratitude that I welcome you and the thousands of proud Americans to Middletown as we witness this historic moment and celebrate the commissioning of the newest Virginia-class submarine, the USS NEW JERSEY (SSN 796). As the third vessel to carry this storied name, you join a legacy of valor, tenacity, and unyielding commitment to the principles that make our nation great.
Your submarine’s motto, “Firepower for Freedom,” is not just a phrase but a reminder of the critical role you play in safeguarding the liberties we cherish. In these turbulent times, your presence on the seas will serve as a beacon of American strength and resolve, a silent sentinel watching over the freedom that generations before us fought to secure.
As you embark on this mission, know that you carry with you the hopes and prayers of every citizen of New Jersey. Your dedication, discipline, and bravery embody the very spirit of our state— resilient and unwavering in the face of any challenge.
Remember that your courage, perseverance, and readiness will help keep our nation safe. The people of Middletown stand behind you and are proud to share our name with a vessel that represents the best of America.
We wish you “fair winds and following seas”.
Sincerely,
Tony Perry
Mayor
Submarine Organization – Engineering Department
By John Mui
All US submarines are nuclear powered, enabling every American submarine to travel anywhere the oceans allow without refueling and to stay on station indefinitely – limited only by the food on board. This capability proves to be a significant advantage over conventional non-nuclear powered submarines in any environment. The Engineering Department is the key team of sailors that operate the nuclear reactor which provides propulsion & electricity as well as runs the ship’s many systems that provide life support to the crew.
The Engineering Department is lead by the Chief Engineer (CHENG) who reports direct to the Commanding Officer (CO) & Executive Officer (XO) and typically consists of ~60-80 sailors (about 60% of the crew depending if Fast Attack submarine (SSN) or 45% of the crew for Ballistic Missile / Guided Missile submarine (SSBN / SSGN)).
The Engineering Department is divided into 5 divisions.
4 Nuclear qualified Divisions:
- Mechanical / Machinery ‘M’ Div: Led by the Main Propulsion Assistant (MPA) – typically consists of 20-30 nuclear trained Machinists Mates (MM). This team is responsible for operating and maintaining the machinery that provides main nuclear propulsion & electricity. M div is also responsible for the ship’s main and auxiliary means of making fresh water – critical for reactor operation as well as for the crew to drink and shower.
- Engineering Laboratory Technicians (ELT): Led by the Chemistry and Radiological Assistant (CRA) – typically consists of 4-6 nuclear trained Machinists Mates (MM). This team is responsible for maintaining the Reactor’s chemistry to ensure safe operating conditions. Additionally, ELTs are responsible for the close monitoring of radiation dosage of the crew at all times and ensuring every living space on the submarine is safe to live and work.
- Electrical ‘E’ Div: Led by the Electrical Assistant (EA) – typically consists of 15-20 nuclear trained Electricians Mates (EM). This team is responsible for the ship’s electrical systems and ensuring the safe generation and delivery of electricity to the entire submarine. Key systems are the main electrical generators as well the main battery.
- Reactor Controls ‘RC’ Div: Led by the Reactor Controls Assistant (RCA) – typically consists of 5-10 nuclear trained Electronic Technicians (ET). ETs are responsible specifically for the Reactor’s electronics, control & monitoring systems. These systems help to safely operate the nuclear reactor on board and ensure the constant monitoring and tracking of nuclear reactor performance.
1 Non-nuclear Division:
- Auxiliary ‘A’ Division: Led by the Damage Control Assistant (DCA) – typically consists of 20-25 Machinists Mates (MM). ‘A’ Division is responsible for all the sub’s non-nuclear auxiliary mechanical systems. These include the diesel engine which provides auxiliary propulsion in case main nuclear propulsion is unavailable. ‘A’ division maintains and operates the submarine’s systems that provide oxygen (O2) to the sub as well as removing harmful Carbon Dioxide (CO2). ‘A’ division is also responsible for the ship’s plumbing systems for the kitchens, bathrooms (heads) as well as the many liquid tanks interconnected to help with the submarine’s ballast.
The submarine’s nuclear reactor is the key technology that enables unparalleled capability and flexibility to operate freely & flexibly. The US Navy has a long history of demonstrated safe operation of nuclear submarines for over 70+ years starting with USS Nautilus (SSN-571). Admiral Rickover ambitiously started the Navy Nuclear Propulsion program and he understood the strategic importance of nuclear propulsion. He wanted to assure the American public that the US Navy would operate the utmost safest & most reliable nuclear systems in the World and created the Naval Reactors (NR) team.
Naval Reactors stresses the relentless training and professionalism of all nuclear trained personnel. This is why all Officers serving on board US Navy submarines (except the Supply Officer) must be Nuclear trained & qualified. Oversight of safe nuclear operation is provided by Naval Reactors (NR). NR sends an Operational Reactor Safety Examination (ORSE) team to every submarine roughly every year to conduct drills & examinations of the crew and to inspect proper operation of all nuclear systems on board.
The Engineering Department is the fundamental team that enables the submarine to operate flexibly in any ocean in the World. Nuclear propulsion has enabled US Navy submarines to operate under the polar ice cap and under the North Pole. In addition to the longevity, nuclear propulsion is also extremely quiet and provides inherent stealth capability under the water. This ability ensures that at any time and anywhere a US Navy submarine may be lurking under the water – an ability prized by all military commanders and feared by our enemies.
FAQs about Commissioning
By Julie Dods, Trustee
(Q) I received an invitation, but have not received my tickets. What do I do? (A) Ticket packages are being sent over the next week or so. Please watch your mailbox!
(Q) Are there any tickets available? (A) As the ticketing office continues to receive RSVPs, there may be available tickets and those on the waiting list may receive a last-minute invitation. Continue to watch your email for an invitation.
Please note that a backup plan has been developed for any guest that does not receive their ticket package, or has other problems – a will-call center will be set up at the host hotel (Ocean Place in Long Branch, NJ) and the parking facility (AT&T) on 200 Laurel Ave in Middletown NJ.
(Q) I cannot attend personally. Can I watch the commissioning online? (A) YES! If you are unable to attend the ceremony, the event will be livestreamed and can be viewed online at www.dvidshub.net/webcast/33459. The online viewing link will open on Saturday, September 14 at 10:45a EDT.
(Q) Where do we park on September 14? (A) Please park your vehicle at the AT&T parking lot. Directions and specific instructions will be provided in your ticket package. Buses will shuttle you to and from the pier. If you require disabled parking accessibility, please have a current disabled parking decal in your vehicle and provisions will be made to transport you to and from the pier. Please be aware that the distance from the bus drop off to the pier is 0.25 of a mile. There will be golf carts to assist those with special needs.
(Q) You mentioned security. Can you explain the security procedures? (A) To gain base access, all guests will pass through a security checkpoint upon arrival. Security precautions mandate that all invited guests are required to have a federal or state issued photo identification card (example: military identification, driver’s license, passport, etc.) for base access. Children under 16 are exempt with an adult escort. Please have your photo ID and tickets available upon arrival. The security checkpoint will include metal detectors, bag inspections and military working dogs. Guests may not bring large bags, backpacks or coolers. However, small diaper bags, purses and small folding umbrellas will be allowed. All bags, purses, wallets, coats, etc. are subject to search for weapons, explosives, and contraband. Weapons including knives or sharp pointed objects of any kind or size are not allowed at any commissioning event.
Due to the high level of interest, base access will be open at 7:00 a.m. In order for the security process to flow smoothly and for you and your guests to be seated in time for the ceremony, we recommend you arrive as early as possible. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding regarding these procedures required by the U.S. Navy for your safety, the safety of the crew, and the protection of the newest commissioned ship. Please note that security measures are subject to change due to increases in force protection conditions.
(Q) What time should I arrive? (A) The ceremony begins at 11:00a. Please arrive in the parking lot between 7:00a and 10:00a in order to ensure enough time to park, proceed through the security screening, and be transported to the commissioning site by 10:30a.
(Q) Am I allowed to take photographs during the ceremony? (A) Yes. Cameras, including video cameras, are permitted in audience seating areas.(Q) What happens if it rains? (A) The ceremony will proceed rain or shine. If you have questions related to the commissioning, please email SSN796Reply.fct@navy.mil
Sponsor Highlight
by Pete Engelman, Chairman
Thank you ALL of our sponsors. Here are a few notes from two of them. You should get a kick out of SubFest – a real NJ flavor celebrating the USS NEW JERSEY.
One of the first community events to honor the USS NJ was sponsored by The Montgomery News on June 18th, 2022 at Princeton Airport. Montgomery Township was rocked by the arrival of SUBFEST, a benefit concert raising awareness and funds for the commissioning of the USS New Jersey Submarine. Subfest featured several local vendors, as well as crew members of the sub selling USS NJ merchandise. There were diverse food trucks, and fun attractions, including; a rock climbing wall, mechanical rodeo shark, a dunk tank and a live musical performance by Slippery When Wet, the country’s #1 Bon Jovi tribute band. It was an amazing day with a great turnout which brought the community together, while also embracing the patriotism and pride of a Navy Submarine being named in our state’s honor. And it got some press. Note the cover of the local Montgomery Newspaper after the event:
SSS Clutch Company is a proud supplier to the US Navy, and more than 1,400 SSS clutches are operational in twelve classes of US Navy, US Coast Guard, and US Military Sealift Command surface ships and three classes of US Navy submarines including SSN 688 Los Angeles Class, SSN 21 Seawolf Class, and SSN 774 Virginia Class. SSS Clutch Company congratulates and welcomes the latest Virginia Class submarine, the USS New Jersey, to the fleet.
Commissioning Reception and the Beer Garden
By Pete Engelman, Chairman
Following the ceremony – there’s a chance to mingle, eat, listen to music, and tour the sub! We’ve been fortunate to have 4 local vendors who have become sponsors in supporting the post ceremony reception.
Merrimakers Caterers, highlighted in last month’s newsletter, will be serving a simple but delicious lunch. They will be supported by Jersey Mike’s – who needs no introduction.
There will be beer available for those who wish. People will be served by two local breweries and will be able to drink from a special cup to all provided as they enter.
Alternate Ending Brewery “is honored to represent the great township of Aberdeen, NJ during the USS New Jersey commissioning” said Scott Novick, owner and general manager. “We will be pouring two beers – Down Periscope American Lager and Bubble Heads Pale Ale.”
Two items – submariners are often called Bubbleheads – hence the name of the beer.
Special thanks to Scott for hosting the crew when in town last month
Belford Brewery is as local as it gets. Kevin and Michael Enny Enny grew up minutes from the base,, and established their brewery in the same town. They make great tasting beers, and enjoy sharing them with sailors from the base and other naval support personnel.. In fact – they named one of their beers EARLE Riser ( a lemon pale ale) accordingly. For our event, they will be serving the very same Earle Riser and their Honey Hudon Ale.
Kevin and Mike also look forward to hosting the crew when in town for commissioning week.
MERCHANDISE! Get your 796 gear WHILE IT LASTS!!
By Julie Dods, Trustee
This is your final opportunity to snag exclusive USS New Jersey (SSN 796) merchandise before our big event! Our limited-edition items, including T-shirts, Yetis, and command coins, are selling fast. Each purchase supports our mission and directly contributes to the boat and her crew. It is what we all care about. Don’t miss out on this chance to show your support and get some great gear in the process. Visit www.njcommissioning.org now to secure your items and make a difference!