July ’24 Newsletter

Welcome to Master Chief Joseph Calhoun, Chief of the Boat

Master-Chief-Joseph-CalhounMaster Chief Calhoun is a native of Lexington, North Carolina and joined the Navy in February of 2001 as a member of the Submarine Electronics Computer Field (SECF). He completed Boot Camp in April of 2001 and immediately reported to Groton, CT for “A” school.

In February of 2002, Master Chief Calhoun reported to the USS Minneapolis St. Paul (SSN 708), homeported in Norfolk, VA, as a member of the Navigation division. He qualified Auxiliary Electrician Forward, Quartermaster, and advanced to Petty Officer Second Class. While on the Minneapolis St. Paul, he completed a EUCOM deployment as well as a CENTCOM deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

His next assignment was in August of 2006 where he reported to Mid-Atlantic Region Maintenance Center (MARMC) in Norfolk, VA. While at MARMC, Master Chief Calhoun qualified QA Craftsman, CMPO, QA Planner, and QA Supervisor, and served as the Electronics Leading Petty Officer of the Norfolk area of responsibility mast and antenna repair facility, and was also promoted to Petty Officer First Class.

In August of 2009, Master Chief Calhoun reported to Groton, CT and completed Navigation Electronics Technician “C” school, and finished in June of 2010.

In June of 2010, Master Chief Calhoun was temporarily assigned to the USS Newport News (SSN 750) as the Navigation Division LPO. While on board the USS Newport News, he completed a successful EUCOM deployment.

In May of 2011, Master Chief Calhoun reported to the USS Boise (SSN 764) to serve as the Navigation division LPO. While on board, he qualified Chief of the Watch and Diving Officer of the Watch, and was advanced to Chief Petty Officer. During his tour on the USS Boise, he completed another successful EUCOM deployment as well as a CENTCOM deployment.

In March of 2015, Master Chief Calhoun reported to COMSUBRON 6 to serve as the Squadron Navigation Electronics LCPO and Assistant Operations Officer. While stationed at COMSUBRON 6, he served as the Senior Command Duty Officer and Norfolk area of responsibility Dock Master for all local and foreign submarines. While at COMSUBRON 6 he was advanced to the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer.

In June of 2018, Master Chief Calhoun reported to the USS Maryland (SSBN 738) Gold crew to serve as the Assistant Navigator. During his time on board, he qualified Chief of the Boat and completed four strategic deterrent patrols.

In March of 2022, Master Chief Calhoun reported to the COMSUBLANT TRE Team to serve as the TRE Assistant Navigator. During his time on the TRE team he completed 14 CRE and TRE inspections combined and was promoted to Master Chief Petty Officer.

In January of 2024, Master Chief Calhoun reported to COB/CMC school in Newport, RI. After completing the course, Master Chief Calhoun reported to COMSUBRON EIGHT and relieved as the PCU ARKANSAS (SSN 800) Chief of the Boat in March of 2024.

In July of 2024, Master Chief Calhoun reported to COMSUBRON EIGHT to relieve as the PCU NEW JERSEY (SSN 796) Chief of the Boat.

His awards include Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 awards), and various other personal unit and service awards. He is married to the former Jamie Londregan of Bayonne, NJ and has five children. Madison (20), Aaron (18), Chase (15), Georgia (10), and Eleanor (9).


New Merchandise for the USS New Jersey Commissioning!

The USS New Jersey Commissioning Committee is thrilled to add exclusive new merchandise to our store, perfect for collectors and supporters alike. These items are not only unique keepsakes but also a way to support our crew of the New Jersey

Among the new additions, we are proud to present the USS New Jersey Commissioning Coin. This beautifully crafted coin is a must-have for any naval enthusiast. The elegant front showcases depicts another meaningful “High Point” in the Garden State’s history – the view from Mount Mitchell Scenic Overlook, the highest point in New Jersey and on the Eastern seaboard. The design includes symbols representing New Jersey including the state bird, an Eastern Goldfinch, perched atop the state tree, a Red Oak, as it holds the state flower, a violet, in its beak. Also depicted is the USS NEW JERSEY (SSN 796) and the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, the oldest operating lighthouse in the United States. The design also incorporates the official state colors of New Jersey, blue and buff, as well as three oak leaves, three acorns and the three piers of Naval Weapons Station Earle to celebrate the USS NEW JERSEY as the third warship to bear the name of the state, and New Jersey being the third state to join the Union.  The back features the commissioning committee logo and date. A must-have for any collector or admirer of naval history.

Additionally, we have introduced elegant wine and whiskey glasses. These sophisticated items are perfect for toasting to the achievements and future endeavors of the USS New Jersey. Whether you’re enjoying a fine vintage or your favorite whiskey, these glasses are sure to enhance your experience.

Our merchandise collection includes a variety of exclusive items, each designed to commemorate the commissioning of the USS New Jersey. Your purchase directly contributes to supporting our crew.  

Visit our online store today to browse the full range of merchandise. Thank you for your continued support of the USS New Jersey and her crew!

Fair winds and following seas,

The USS New Jersey Commissioning Committee

First Stage of Sea Trials Complete!

The USS NEW JERSEY has successfully completed the first phase of Sea Trials as she prepares to join the fleet later this year.

Congratulations to the command triad and crew of SSN 796! Bravo Zulu!

The USS NEW JERSEY (SSN 796) departs the shipyard at the start of her first voyage to commence Alpha Trials.

A view of the USS NEW JERSEY from astern as she proceeds to start with her first phase of Sea Trials.

A view aft from the sail as the submarine begins Sea Trials.

Roll Out

At the end of January or early February March or early April, NJ will be moved from its initial assembly building to a floating drydock.  Multiple hydraulic sleds will lift the 7,900 ton vessel and slowly move it a quarter of a mile to the water. 

She will stay within the floating drydock to finish the last remaining jobs before being ready to be lowered and moored next to the pier for the first time later this spring.