On Friday June 30th commissioning committee members Stephen Hutton, Peter Engelman, Julianne Dobs, and Timi Lindsay, were honored to be allowed to join the command and crew of the PCU NEW JERSEY (SSN 796) as they celebrated the first meal aboard the boat. This is a significant milestone in bringing boat to life allowing the crew to potentially berth aboard and eat aboard the submarine from that point on.

Seen above Dr. Susan DiMarco (ship’s sponsor) and committee member Peter Engelman share the ‘first meal’ with crew members aboard the PCU NEW JERSEY (SSN 796)

The ship’s sponsor Dr. Susan DiMarco, and her son Jeh Johson Jr. were among the guests aboard this day. In addition to breaking bread with the crew we were all afforded a tour of the boat as she her systems and facilities come together. The meal was excellent and left us truly impressed with what the culinary specialists are able to accomplish in such tight quarters.

Seen above – Culinary Specialists and crew members who prepared and served the ‘first meal’ aboard the PCU NEW JERSEY (SSN 796)

Seen above Dr. Susan DiMarco (ship’s sponsor) shares ‘first meal’ with crew members aboard the PCU NEW JERSEY (SSN 796)

The crew and officers were gracious and took the time to explain the numerous systems and their functions (or at least what they were allowed to) and it was clear that this vessel has considerable communication and system advantages that make her superbly efficient for conducting her future missions.

Thanks to the CO, XO, COB and everyone else involved in making this a truly memorable visit!

We look forward to announcing, hopefully soon, the date and location of the PCU NEW JERSEY’s commissioning.

On a windy but sunny Saturday in Virginia, the USS New Jersey was christened!

A major milestone in the life of a US Navy vessel is the christening. In this case it was an opportunity to officially name the USS New Jersey and also recognize and honor the men and women responsible for constructing her.

The ceremony took place outside of Newport News Shipbuilding’s Module Outfitting Facility and was attended by more than 1,800 guests, including Newport News Shipbuilding employees who are building New Jersey, members of the submarine’s crew, Navy personnel and other government officials, including Jeh Johnson.

U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, of Virginia, and U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross, of New Jersey, both delivered remarks. Other speakers included New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy; Jay Stefany, acting assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition; Vice Adm. Johnny Wolfe Jr., director of the Navy’s strategic systems programs; and Kevin Graney, president of General Dynamics Electric Boat.

Retired U.S. Navy Adm. Michael Mullen, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and former chief of naval operations, provided an outstanding keynote address at this event on Saturday, November 13th, 2021.

The highlight of the event was when Dr. Susan DiMarco (the boat’s sponsor) broke a bottle of US sparkling wine at the bow of the boat. Pictured with Dr. DiMarco are Jennifer Boykin, president of Newport News Shipbuilding; Retired U.S. Navy Adm. Michael Mullen, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and former chief of naval operations; and Cmdr. Carlos Otero, the boat’s prospective commanding officer.

In attendance from the committee were Stephen Hutton, Carlton Hoye, Peter Engelman, Joseph Velez, and John Koehr and his wife Melissa.

Photo source: https://newsroom.huntingtoningalls.com/releases/new-jersey-ssn-796-christened-2021