The US Navy commissioned the USS Oregon (SSN 793) on May 28, 2022 in New London, Connecticut.

Transcript

Good morning ladies and gentlemen, it is my distinct honor and privilege to welcome you to submarine base. New London for the commissioning of the USs Oregon. I’m Lieutenant Commander Colin hedges, the ship’s executive officer on behalf of the crew of your submarine Oregon. I would like to express our sincere gratitude for joining us here today before our celebration begins. Please silence your cell phones. Thank you. We are here today to celebrate the commissioner of USS Oregon. The 4th ship to bear the name of the Beaver State. The First USS Oregon was a brig that served in the United States Navy from 1841 to 1845. She conducted exploration expeditions and surveys throughout the pacific ocean and gulf of Mexico. The 2nd USS Oregon was a monitor that was previously named Quinn Sigmund and Hercules. She was renamed Oregon before she was broken up in the slip ways and never launched. The third USs Oregon BB three was the final member of the Indiana class of pre dreadnought battleships built for the United States Navy. In the 18 nineties, the three ships were built as part of a modernization program aimed at strengthening the American fleet to prepare for a possible conflict with the European navy designed for short range operations in defense of the United States. The three Indiana class ships had a low free board and carried a main battery of 4 13 inch guns and a pair of gun turrets, Oregon and her sister ships were the first modern battleships built for the United States. After entering service in 1896. Organ briefly served in the Pacific Squadron before being transferred to the east coast as tensions with Spain over Cuba grew in early 1898, She completed a 14,000 nautical mile journey around South America in the span of 66 days, arriving shortly after the start of the Spanish American war. She then took part in the blockade of Santiago to Cuba, which culminated in the Battle of Santiago to Cuba. On three July where Oregon contributed to the destruction of the Spanish Squadron in Cuba. After the war, Organ was deployed to the Asiatic squadron serving during the Philippine American war and the boxer rebellion in Qing china. The ship returned to United States in 1906 and was placed in reserve for the next five years. During this time, she was modernized Reactivated in 1911, Oregon spent the next several years cruising off the west coast of the United States, frequently going in and out of service During the Allied intervention of the Russian Civil War. In 1918, she escorted a convoy for the Siberian expedition, Oregon was decommissioned in 1919 and was loaned to her namesake state for use as a museum ship. After the start of World War II, she returned to service as an ammunition hulk for the upcoming invasion of Guam in 1944, She remained off the island through the mid 1950s before being sold for scrap. In 1956. We are honored to continue the tremendous legacy established by the previous ships to probably bear the name Oregon. The new organ more before you affectionately referred to as a boat by the members of the submarine community and the crew will soon join America’s silent service. Oregon is a Virginia class submarine and with her sister ships, she represents a revolution in submarine design, construction and mission capability brimming with leading edge technology, advanced engineering. This vessel brings versatility and firepower to the fleet Oregon and the Virginia class are among the most effective platforms in the United States Navy. And this worship takes another step forward in advancing the superiority of our submarine force capable of operating in the far corners of the world’s oceans undetected while connected to air, sea and land based forces. These submarines are equipped to wage multidimensional warfare around the globe. Organ is adaptability, makes it highly responsive to changing mission requirements and provides the nation with the capabilities required to be the decisive factor in any conflict. In addition to anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare Counter mine warfare Organ will support surveillance, special operations and covert strike missions. Thank you for allowing each of us the privilege to serve in our nation as part of your navy. While probably bearing the name Organ Construction began on the submarine. You see behind me in July of 2017 and it was christened on October 5th, 2019. In Groton Connecticut today. The USS Oregon is tested and battle ready. We’re all very proud to serve on the newest attack submarines in the United States Navy. The commissioning ceremony is a time honored tradition that began with the commissioning of the Navy’s first ship, A captured British Schooner, The Margarita in 1775. Since then, thousands of ships have undergone the transition from silent hole to a fully alive worship. My shipmates are crew hereafter known as plank owners are information and ready. In just a few moments the Navy band and the saluting battery will render honors to the honorable Kate Brown. Will the guests please rise and remain standing for the arrival of our official party honors, presentation of colors in our national anthem and the invocation. Ladies and gentlemen, our platform guests. Commander, David Duprey, chaplain Corps, United States Navy. Our ceremony chaplain. Senior Chief Arlo Catchall. United States Navy Retired are long glass presenter. Mr. Jim Lasher. Co chairman. Uss Oregon commissioning committee. Mr. Kevin Graney. President, General Dynamics Electric boat Captain John Stafford, United States Navy Commander, Submarine Squadron four. Rear Admiral Marti monkey in the United States Navy Commander, Undersea Warfare development center. Rear Admiral David Goggins, United States Navy Program. Executive Officer. Attack submarines. Mr. Tommy ross, performing the duties of Assistant Secretary of the Navy Research, development and acquisition. Admiral frank Caldwell, United States Navy Director, Naval nuclear propulsion program. The honorable joe Courtney, United States, Representative state of Connecticut Second district, the honorable Richard Blumenthal, United States Senator state of Connecticut. Ladies and gentlemen, our ship’s sponsor, Miss Dana Richardson, escorted by master chief Petty officer, Brian Randall organs, chief of the boat. Ladies and gentlemen, the honorable Kate Brown Governor, State of Oregon, escorted today by Commander lacey log mill Oregon’s commanding officer. Ladies and gentlemen, honors to the honorable Kate Brown. Mhm Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Okay. Advance the colors. 54. Mhm. Mm hmm. Yeah, retire the colors platform ready two. We’d like to thank the Navy band, New England Navy Submarine base, New London saluting battery and the silver dolphin color guard for their participation in our ceremony today. Ladies and gentlemen Chaplin Dupree will deliver the invocation. Mm hmm. Let us pray almighty and gracious God! We are gathered here before you on the banks of the Thames River where for over 100 years, our submariners and their families have offered their prayers as we have sent our boats and crews to see in days of war and peace. This silent force and their loving families have paid a dear cost for our nation’s freedom and defense separation. Silence and sacrifice. Difficult to imagine by others. As we ask your blessing on the commissioning of uss Oregon. We know that this boat and crew are a continuation of this valiant heritage, which we honor this memorial day weekend. We hold tribute to all who paid the ultimate price to secure our liberty. And we now pause for a moment of silence to honor them with these heroes behind us and with our mission before us. Please bless this ceremony that together we may hail the motto of the great state of Oregon at least pro ps. She flies with her own wings. So may she fly with your blessing? Dear God! Even through the deep. Amen. Thank you chaplain Dupree. Well, I guess please be seated. Yes, Oregon parade rest ladies and gentlemen, the honorable joe Courtney, Good morning. On this memorial day, it is an honor to welcome all of our out of town guests, particularly the Oregon commissioning committee, to the submarine capital of the world in southeastern Connecticut. Mr. Gadgil and Mr. Lesher. The crew who were here for the Christening in 2019 deserved bonus points for getting us through the COVID period and getting us to the final end of their mission. And again, you have a great turnout today from the, from the state of Oregon including your governor. I want to begin by thanking captain Ken Curtin and his team, the 9000 sailors and officers for of the submarine base for hosting the submarine. This this ceremony at the oldest submarine base in America for all their work. Keeping this basis. Operations on task. The 16 attack submarines that deployed from this installation did not miss one day of schedule during the height of Covid and as you can see with the construction cranes nearby. It is undergoing huge upgrades and modernization that will ensure that this base has a long and enduring future. It is also an honor to welcome Governor Kate Brown Governor. I want you to know that we’ve all been practicing the pronunciation of or a gun and not Oregon which at the christening congressman Greg Walden chastised all of us for again getting it wrong. And um and I want to know, I spoke to Governor Lamont yesterday who expressed his appreciation for your visit to our state. He unfortunately could not be here today, but we are joined by Senator Blumenthal, a strong supporter of the work done here as a member of the Senate Armed services Committee. And also I want to take a moment to recognize my colleague who’s seated here in the front row congressman Jim Langevin from next door at the state of Rhode island, who this is my seat mate on the Armed Services Committee. He co-chairs the submarine caucus and he has done so much to push for higher production of the undersea fleet. Jim announced his retirement this coming December and I want to publicly thank him for all of his great work and friendship And lastly, welcome to the real star of the show today. Mrs. Dana Richardson Mrs. Richardson and her husband, Former Cno john Richardson are no strangers to subbase or the work that goes on here onboard Oregon. Captain Lakmal and the crew could not have a more knowledgeable and caring ship sponsor To the crew of Oregon. You’ve endured a lot since the Christening in 2019. There was some slip and schedule which during the pandemic was inevitable, but I think the record should be clear that despite that unprecedented disruption, you showed up for work every day and did your job and all of you now and forever will bear the well-earned title of plank owners. And after your service, you will undoubtedly follow the actions of this vessel for the rest of your lives with great pride. Please know that as you embark on your deployments, the people of this state in Rhode Island will be 100% behind you and you will always be welcome here. Today’s achievement is also shared by the proud men and women of electric boat and Kevin Graney. Its leader is present with us here today and Newport News and the suppliers who built this impressive submarine for you. The journey began in 2014 when Congress authorized procurement of SSN 7 93. Three years later, Mrs. Richardson’s initials were welded at the killing and it has been nonstop for the shipbuilders ever since. And as we speak today, they are still furiously at work meeting the call for two attack submarines per year. In addition to the new production of the mammoth ballistic submarine fleet. The Columbia class. This huge demand signal from navy and Congress mandates growing a highly skilled workforce. Very fast and an enterprise that is happening right now in welding and sheet metal classes right up the road from here at Grasso tech and three rivers community College. It cannot be understated growing. The submarine industrial base is essential to the security and prosperity of the American people and that’s not just hometown cheerleading. Last December, President Biden issued an executive order designating the workers supporting Virginia class submarine construction as essential to national defense and invoked the Defense Production Act to accelerate its job training. There was no other defense program in the pentagon, the entire pentagon with a higher designation and an even more powerful statement of the importance of the work that goes out in these yards. Last September the president signed the Aucas security agreement with our allies Australia and the United Kingdom whose centerpiece is supporting Australia’s goal to build their own nuclear powered submarine fleet. This is a massive undertaking and again, we are honored to have here today, the the admiral who is going to be quarterbacking that that amazing task and and there’s a lot of work to take to organize that. But there is no doubt that this region’s unique expertise will be called upon to execute at least part of that endeavor to conclude this is a great day for the states of Oregon Connecticut and Rhode island, but its meaning extends far beyond our borders as this submarine begins, its amazing journeys across the world’s oceans to the crew from this day forward though, few, few will fully know the risks that you take. The missions you execute in the sacrifice. You make congratulations on a job, well done and all you will do in the future. Thank you. Thank you. Representative Courtney. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Kevin Graney. Good morning. Yeah. Today’s celebration of Memorial Day weekend I think is, is altogether fitting given that we are surrounded by submarine history. Um, on subbase, New London, the streets are named after the boats And the men lost in service to our great nation many, many years ago. Um, and so I feel it’s appropriate as Americans that we celebrate here today. It’s also personally meaningful um, Cheryl and I celebrate 35 years together next week. And we began at our first house right about that hill, just just across shark boulevard. So meaningful for a couple of reasons. As always, I’m honored to represent the men and women of General dynamics electric boat, 18,000 strong who proudly worked to deliver Oregon to our navy as we celebrate the newest nuclear powered submarine to join our nation’s fleet. The first historic ship, Nautilus sits just a few peers away in that floating drydock where she is being renovated by electric boat. The company who designed and built her Nautilus was commissioned in 1954 And in the years since, more than 200 nuclear powered submarines have joined the fleet and a great deal has changed in submarine design and construction Oregon, The 20th Ship of the Virginia Class. You can dive deeper, travel faster, Perform more missions and operate with more stealth and weaponry than anyone could have imagined 68 years ago. While the products we deliver and the work processes have changed over the years, what hasn’t changed? An electric boat is the dedication of our ship building team. People from every corner of our great nation have worked to make uss Oregon a reality. This team includes engineers and designers, vendors, supply chain professionals and planners. All who have toiled to ensure that the welders, fitters, electricians, painters, carpenters and testers have what they need to go do their jobs. Our current generation of shipbuilders, just like those who have come before them know what’s at stake. We remain united and committed in our mission to give our sailors every unfair advantage we can to keep them safe and equipped to defend freedom. The world over what’s also remained a constant is the important role of the ship’s sponsor whose spirit is imparted with the boat upon christening. In 1954. On Nautilus First lady, maybe Mamie Eisenhower sponsored that ship today. The woman performing that important role is someone who has also served our nation through her work, helping navy families navigate the unique challenges of service life. It’s a pleasure to again see dana, our sponsor and her plus one. My George, Marshall shipmate john Richardson. By the way, we’re joined by a torpedo man who served with us. Mac. Where are you? Uh, there he is. Good to see you. An old shipmate crew of Oregon. I’m sure you already know what a wonderful friend you have in dana Richardson. Finally, I want to acknowledge the contributions of the commander log Mel and his crew. I had the privilege to ride with the crew and the very first time they took Oregon to see. And I wish every American could see what I see on these boats. It is eye watering, unsurpassed technology and it is crewed by American sailors who are dedicated confident masters at submarine warfare Commander log mill. We wish you and the crew of Oregon a safe, sorry Oregon. A safe and distinguished tour of duty. May the uss Oregon serve you and our nation long and well. Thank you. Okay, thank you. Mr., granny ladies and gentlemen, the honorable Richard Blumenthal. Thank you. Welcome Governor Brown of Oregon to the submarine capital of the world. To everyone here from Oregon, welcome and thank you for making the trip. It’s really an exciting day. As many times as I’ve come to these ceremonies, I will tell you. It never gets old and as excited as I am to see the Oregon. I’m also really awed by the folks who were in the audience today. Many of them veterans and heroes. Patriots. I’m gonna just ask all of the veterans who are here today. Please raise your hands so that we can salute and thank you for your service to our nation. Thank you. Thank you every one of you. I want to thank Dana Richardson. You know she and Admiral Richardson met in high school 1976. I know I can divulge the year because it’s in the book and for a lot of time they have been real partners in this effort and her service and I do mean her service over the years. I think epitomizes what we all know about our military, that it works because of families and the families served. So today I want to salute all of the families of active duty service or veterans who are here today. Thank you for your service. This boat behind me is one of the technological marvels of the world. Anybody who’s visited electric boat even once and I’ve been to many times to count knows the miraculous work that is done on that boat to make it what it is the most versatile, stealthy, strong and adaptable of any of our weapons platforms. It can launch missiles, torpedoes, special operators, it can do surveillance, It can counter forces way bigger than it is. And it is one of the pillars of our undersea superiority and make no mistake, the United States is superior undersea and we need to continue to make it so. And that means investing in two Virginia class submarines every year and investing in the Columbia class. It is vital to our national security and I’m proud to be working with joe Courtney. He in the house and I am the Armed Services Committee in the Senate to make sure that our colleagues are aware every day of what it contributes. And if we had any doubt about the importance of our submarine and undersea superiority and the importance of that pillar of deterrence, Ukraine should leave no question, many may say, Well, Ukraine is a land war, but the fact is that the critical pillar in deterrence of our Russian adversary, there is in fact our strength undersea and we should never forget that defending and making possible the fierce and brave Ukrainian war fighters defending their land is essential to our national security. They are at the tip of the spear right now. But I can pledge to you that I will work and continue to advocate for the weapons and arms they need and the humanitarian assistance that they need as well to continue to defend their land and our superiority undersea is part of the deterrence that we do in that effort. There’s another lesson of Ukraine. Mhm and it’s an unfortunate one for the Russians, but it is about the quality of their fighting for us or the lack of quality and as much as this boat is a technological marvel. Ultimately, it is the men and women of our armed services, the men and women who are the best train, the bravest, the strongest of any in any military, anywhere in the world. And ultimately it is those men and women who are the strongest part of our national defense. So I I wish you well to the crew of Oregon and we will be with you in spirit as you embark on this tremendously challenging and important journey. I love the Oregon state motto. She flies with her own wings. Next time we’re gonna name an F 35 after Oregon and we make a lot of those two here in Connecticut, but I’m really proud to be here very seriously on this memorial day. It’s one that will be among the most memorable because today we salute one of the great ships in our fleet and the men and women who will take her undersea. Thank you. God bless! Thank you. Mm hmm. Thank you. Senator Blumenthal. Ladies and gentlemen, Admiral Frank Caldwell, Good morning. Morning. It is an absolute honor to be here today to bring our 20th Virginia class submarine to life. I welcome all of our distinguished guests. Governor Kate Brown are proud Oregon families. Our sponsor, Miss Dana Richardson and all of our submarine veterans Welcome. This is a great day for Oregon. It’s a great day for our shipbuilders and it’s a great day for our submarine force. Now, Governor Brown Oregon has always had a strong connection to our navy for many years. Portland’s has been home to the Rose Festival, one of the premier events in celebrating our operating fleet And in the history of Our Navy, 27 warships have names emanating from the state of Oregon. And now our newest submarine Is the 4th to bear the state’s name. Congratulations to you, governor and thank you for your enduring support. I am absolutely confident that this boat will carry on the proud Oregon legacy. Congratulations. And to our sponsor, Miss Dana Richardson Dana. You have been leading submarine families for years alongside your husband. And now that legacy will continue in a new way. Thank you for your faithful service and congratulations. I know for certain that you will watch over Oregon sailors and their families, that you will guide them, that you will celebrate their service alongside of them, and that you will keep Oregon strong and always ready. Congratulations Dana. Ladies and gentlemen, we are living in a world of strategic competition. Where are competitors seek to challenge our dominance in the undersea domain. Our nation must continue building and maintaining the finest submarines in the world. We must continue selecting and training the best sailors in our navy. And we must continue outfitting our boats with the most advanced sensors and warfighting systems that we can find Oregon and the other Virginia class submarines will not only sustain but will exploit our edge and undersea warfare. Soon Oregon will employ her stealth, her flexibility, her superior firepower and her endurance to travel silently throughout the world’s oceans undetected collecting intelligence preparing for battle and, if necessary, striking from the deep swiftly without warning to answer the nation’s call. Now, none of this would be possible without our strong support of our congressional leaders, especially those on the platform here today as well as in the audience sir. Nor would it be possible without the phenomenal team of our shipbuilders from electric boat. Newport News, shipbuilding and vendors from around the United States. I’ve walked the factory floors. I’ve been to see with our shipbuilders on this boat. And I can tell you, Oregon is ready because of the hard work and the amazing dedication of this team. Collectively, our shipbuilders build the most complex and capable vessels ever put to sea and they do it with tremendous skill, Pride and patriotism. And finally to Commander, lacey log mill and the fantastic Oregon crew. Much has been demanded of you during final construction and sea trials today. All of your hard work will be realized, and you will become the lifeblood of this magnificent machine. Stay true to your model Oregon will indeed fly on her own wings and the wings of all who sail in her. Our Navy and our nation are depending on you. Congratulations! Thank you. And God bless uss Oregon. Thank you. Edward Caldwell ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Tommy ross. Mhm. Thank you. Senator Blumenthal, Representative Courtney, Representative, Langevin Governor Brown, Admiral, Caldwell, Admiral and Mrs. Richardson Mr. Greaney distinguished guests. Officers and crew of the organ. Ladies and gentlemen, Good morning. I’m delighted to be here today, representing the Secretary of the Navy at the commissioning of this great submarine, the Oregon due to Covid. This is the first in person commissioning Ceremony of the submarine in more than three years. It’s a long time to delay celebrations like this one. So it’s really wonderful for me to be here to share in this important rite of passage with all of you. I’d especially like to thank the Oregon the Oregon commissioning committee. You guys, you guys tripped me up. I never had that problem before today. Especially like to take the Oregon commissioning committee, which has worked extremely hard to arrange today’s events namely the transition of a boat under construction to a powerful fleet asset. Let me join in the my fellow speakers today in honoring the many service members who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep this great nation free and to the veterans in the audience today on this memorial day weekend, Thank you for our service for your service to our nation to the Navy and industry program offices. You have labored tirelessly to deliver the 20th Virginia class submarine and the second block four of these boats. Well done as we commission Oregon today. The torch is passed from our storied naval history to the present. You’ve heard from our previous speakers a little bit a bit about the history of the Oregon and in service to the navy commander log mill. As you and your crew self-sail forth, embrace this history in this proud legacy, embrace your namesake, the pioneering state of Oregon. As Secretary Mavis said when he named this boat in 2014, sailors and marines like the citizens of Oregon throughout history are pioneers. They’re explorers who look willingly toward the unknown, wanting to know what is over the horizon. As our Navy calls upon you to maintain maritime dominance, please bring that pioneering spirit with you in defense of your name, steak and your nation officers and crew of organ as you bring your ship to life today, you are also blessed with a wonderful sponsor, Miss Dana Richardson. She has bestowed you with grace and responsibility. Take heed and carry her spirit with you as you sail. It’s my great honor and privilege to introduce our principal speaker today. Governor Kate Brown. Governor Brown has served our nation in public office for more than 30 years in Oregon’s legislature as secretary of state And for eight years as governor. She has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of all organ citizens since becoming governor in 2014, she has prioritized the health and safety of her citizens throughout the covid pandemic, responding to climate change and improving the trans transparent and accountable governance in Oregon. All while leading her state’s economic recovery, I had the opportunity last night at dinner to sit with the table full full of Oregonians and I said, hey, does anyone have a good fact? You know? Fun fact about Governor Brown and I was touched that very quickly. Someone spoke up and said, yeah, I’ve got a fun fact. I have never met someone in politics with a bigger heart than Governor Brown. Governor Brown, thank you for joining us today. Thank you for your leadership and thank you for your continued support to our Navy. Ladies ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Governor Kate Brown. Good morning everyone. Thank you to all who made sure that the Oregonian’s felt welcome with this great Oregon weather here. Today, we feel right at home. It is an absolute honor to be here today for the commissioning of the USs Oregon. I am very grateful to Secretary Del Toro for inviting me to join you on this incredibly joyous day to Commander Lacey Lakmal and all the officers and crew of the USs Oregon. On behalf of the great state of Oregon, allow me to say thank you for your service, thank you for defending our nation with courage, commitment and conviction. Oregonians are deeply honored That the 20th Virginia class submarine will bear the name of our state and to my fellow Oregonians. The commissioning committee, including our sponsor, Miss Dana Richardson, thank you for all of your work to make this amazing moment possible. The naming of this ship holds special meeting as Oregon has a proud tradition of supporting the U. S. Navy. Portland Oregon was home to the Kaiser shipyards during World War Two, proudly supplying the Navy with more liberty and victory ships during the war than any other shipyard in the nation. We set several records for shipbuilding, Including the Assembly of the Liberty Ship SS Robert E. Perry in just five days. It was at the Kaiser shipyards where Eleanor Roosevelt noted that so many employees of the shipyards at that time were working mothers and she worked with Henry and Edgar Kaiser to construct 24 hour childcare centers on site, a truly innovative investment in working families for its time. While the shipyards are not active today, our relationship with the navy remains strong each year. Portland’s, the city of Roses is proud and fortunate to be one of the few U. S. Ports of call for a courtesy visit from the U. S. Navy, the US Coast Guard and the Royal Canadian Navy. We love welcoming the brave officers of the U. S. Navy to Oregon for the annual Fleet Week tradition. Fleet Week tradition. There I got it right. And now another aspect of Oregon’s cherished relationship with the U. S. Navy will be the U. S. S Oregon to her officers and crew. Please know that no matter where your duties take you, you will always be welcomed in Oregon with open arms as you all know by now, the USs Oregon will share a motto in common with the state of Oregon at least a lot more obvious. She flies with her own wings. I’ve always loved that motto for obvious reasons, it can phase a deep sense of pride of passion and purpose beyond the words themselves made. The Uss Oregon and the state of Oregon continue to hold in common an embodiment of the values of which these words represent. For instance, Oregonians are adventurous in Oregon. We have a proud tradition of exploring the beauty and bounty around us because there’s so much to see from 363 miles of publicly accessible coastline to stunning lakes, rivers, mountains and high deserts. May this crew share the same sense of adventure. May you be ready and willing to serve new missions and new places in defense of democracy and freedom. Oregonians are also courageous. We see this reflected in our homegrown Service members, military families, National Guard members and first responders. They protect Oregonians and Americans, often putting themselves in harm’s way. We saw this courage recently that Oregonians displayed during several seasons of unprecedented wildfires. National Guard members, law enforcement officers and volunteers running towards danger to help their community members evacuate firefighters, working around the clock to extinguish these fires and families who had lost everything coming together at a time of struggle to carry on and rebuild. I know that this crew is courageous too. It takes great bravery and great sacrifice to leave the safety of one’s home and the company of one’s family and friends To protect our freedom and democracy. You put your life on the line and step into harm’s way in service of this nation and her people for that we are eternally grateful. Oregonians are also collaborative. When our state faces problems, crises and disappointments, we roll up our sleeves and get to work together. We have tough conversations, We listen, we find common ground. It’s what we call the Oregon way. May the spirit of collaboration be the USS Oregon way as well. All of you officers and crew serving together knowing that there is strength in teamwork, knowing you have each other’s backs and knowing when you face challenges, there will be a solution and you will find it by working together. And finally, Oregonians are compassionate. We have seen this over and over again in recent years as Oregonians step up to keep each other safe and help those in need neighbors, families, friends, even complete strangers, lending a helping hand whenever they can. May this crew remember that at the heart of service is compassion and love. Love for this country, love for her people and love for her values. May this compassion be a source source of strength and conviction. As you embark on your missions and may you always return home safely to the communities and people that you love the USs Oregon’s ship crest features a chinook salmon, Our state fish an important part of the cultural and spiritual beliefs of our indigenous and tribal people in our state are indigenous and tribal communities in Oregon have a rich history of service in our armed forces with one of the highest rates of military service per capita of any ethnic group in Oregon. In fact, an estimated 300, of Oregon veterans are members of our nine federally recognized tribes. We are eternally grateful for their service and will continue to honor and remember all of those service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. And there is another reason why the chinook salmon is such a fitting symbol for this ship. These salmon begin their lives in fresh water, Head out to the deeper waters of the ocean and then return again to their home waters in much the same way. We thank you for the journeys you will undertake abroad in service to freedom and democracy for our nation and allies. And we will be so eager each time to welcome you safely home, be it right here in Connecticut or in your other home, the great state of Oregon. So well this morning, I’ve spent plenty of time discussing the state of Oregon’s motto. I am a bit biased, but it is, after all the U. S. S Oregon’s crest. I will leave you with the state of Connecticut’s motto qui trans to let sustain me or he who transplanted, still sustains essentially meeting wherever you go. God continues to watch over. You may God continue to watch over you and bless the USs Oregon and her crew wherever you go. Thank you. Okay, thank you. Governor Brown, thank you, Secretary Ross. I would be honored if you would now place Oregon in commission. Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the President of the United States and for the Secretary of the Navy, I hereby place United States ship Oregon and commission May God bless and guide this worship and all who shall sell in her. Thank you. Secretary Ross. Executive Officer, hoist the colors and commissioned pennant, aye, aye, sir. Ship’s company. A 10 Hut. The commission pennant and professional national navies began to take form late in the 17th century. All ships at that time were sailing ships and it was often difficult to tell. A naval ship from a merchant men. Navies began adopting long narrow pennants to be flown by their ships at the main mast head. To distinguish themselves from merchant ships. The commission pendant will fly continuously until the ship is decommissioned. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise. I direct your attention to the ship’s mast as we hoist the colors and commission pennant Court. Master hoist the colors and commission pennant, aye, aye, sir. Captain, The colors and commission pennants are flying proudly over uss Oregon. Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. I will now read my orders from commander. Naval personnel. Command to commander, lazy lode. Mill, United States Navy subject bumpers. Order number 9580 of one April 2020 When directed by reporting senior detached from present duty and report to pre commissioning unit Oregon. As commanding officer upon commissioning of USs Oregon. Report for duty as commanding officer. Admiral Caldwell. United States ship Oregon is in commission and I am in command. Congratulations. Executive officer. Set the watch, aye, aye, sir. Off the deck set the first watch, aye, aye sir. The officer of the deck is the commanding officers. Direct Representative and while on watch is responsible for the safety and smooth operation of the ship. The long glass is the traditional symbol of an officer of the deck authority in the ship of the line, we are honored to have. Senior Chief submarines are located in the United States Navy. Retired. And our and our committee co-chair with us today. Senior Chief natural is a veteran of 17 deterrent Cold War patrols aboard fleet ballistic missile submarines. He will assist in studying the first watch, bypassing the long glass to our first ship. Studio officer. Lieutenant Thomas joseph McSweeney from Herman Nebraska. The petty officer of the deck is the German submarines, Seaman apprentice Estevan society Marquez from Germantown Maryland. The topside century is information systems technician submarines. Second class Tristan Eugene Eisley from Hutchinson Kansas and the boats and made of the watches. Boatswain mate. First class Brent Lofgren from three point Freeport Illinois. Set the watch on deck. Section one the watches set sir. Very well. Mhm. Captain The watch is set very well. The spirit of a US navy warship is the embodiment of her sponsor. Our sponsor, Miss Dana Richardson, a Navy spouse of 35 years and champion of Navy family services programs, christened this ship here in Groton on October 5th, 2019, and imbued this ship and crew with her sense of commitment and grace Dana. I would be honored if you would give the order to man our ship and bring her to life. Mm hmm. Well, Hello everyone. I do have a few remarks first, so just sit tight 20 more minutes. Alright, I gotta have my time. Right. It is such an honor and a privilege to be here. I can’t even tell you this is such a great day. Ali’s Vologda pro Prius. She flies with her own wings. The Oregon state model personifies the spirit of the uss Oregon and what a fantastic day this is. We have the perfect Oregon weather. Thank you a time to celebrate our nation and our navy and our sailors and our families. Thank you for taking the time to be a part of this glorious occasion and to support our nation’s future. I’d like to thank the Oregon commissioning committee for all of their hard work and for making me and my family a part of their family. You have been gracious and kind and I’ll never forget the parades tours and visits with the submarine veterans Over the past five years and in this great state of Oregon. Thank you to the shipbuilders in Connecticut and in Virginia only. You know what goes on behind the scenes to bring these boats to this day. Hundreds of people work tirelessly to make this moment happen. And I hope you feel extreme pride on this day. Thank you to Mr. Al. Morales who among his many duties, coordinates events, manages people and keeps a smile throughout. I don’t know how he does that. Okay. We could all take lessons from you and how to remain calm during ever changing schedules and ever changing weather. Thank you to the crew. Please give them another round of applause. Your work lies ahead of you. But you’ve done amazing things to be where you are today. Thank you to the families of the Uss Oregon. Your tireless sacrifice is our nation’s strength. There is a saying. Strength of the families is strengthened the fleet. It’s true. And you are awesome. And finally, yes, I think we need to. I applaud you for all of you. Thank you to my family. Some who are here today. My sister Tania Silva, and my cousin Howard Worth from the great state of Oregon. My husband and best friend of 40 years, the 31st Cno, the Navy and our five kids who have remained a proud Navy family For over 35 years and who are continuing to serve Nate Katie dan Cassandra Rachel Jesse veronica Brett and matt, by the way. I promised I wouldn’t call them out. Thank you so much for being here today. Yeah. Crew of the USs Oregon. It’s an honor and a privilege to be your sponsor, A very proud sponsor of the USs Oregon. This is the biggest joy of my life. Trailblazers. And now the moment we’ve all been waiting for. Will the crew of the USs Oregon man your ship and bring her to life, Okay. Mm hmm. Yeah. Mm hmm, mm hmm. Mhm. Yeah. Okay. Yeah. Ladies and gentlemen, the crew of Uss Oregon salutes you. We are proud to serve in America’s Navy. Ready Two. Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. Mm hmm. Captain, the ship is manned and ready very well. Rear Admiral Monkey in the United States ship Oregon is manned and ready and reports for duty. Okay, Thank you. Sir. Admiral Caldwell. Request permission to break your flag. Sir, permission granted. Break my flag. Break your flag, aye, sir. Executive officer. Break the flag of naval reactors, aye, aye, Sir. Court Master break the flag of naval reactors, aye, aye, sir. Captain, the flag of Naval Records is proudly flying over uss Oregon very well. Yeah. Mhm. Ladies and gentlemen, commander, lazy loading the United States Navy Commanding Officer. Uss Oregon. Mhm. Okay, good morning. Welcome to Groton. Governor. Brown. Senator Blumenthal Congressman, Courtney Mr. ross. Admiral Caldwell. MS Richardson. Distinguished guests. Citizens of Oregon. Family and friends. Thank you for being here today to celebrate the commissioning of U. S. S Oregon if you can’t tell, I haven’t been able to get this grin off my face for the past two days. So as my topside Washington’s have heard me say on numerous occasions that right there is a fine looking ship, but as you all know, it would only be a hunk of metal without the crew to the crew. You are now finally plank owners. Many of our original crew members have already left the ship and many of them are in the audience here. So some of the shipmates I’ve seen as I walked up, been very thrilled to see you guys come back to witness this. Um and I salute the efforts of Captain Dan Patrick Oregon’s first commanding officer and the former officers and sailors who are now honorary plank owners. The passion grit and enthusiasm of Oregon’s crew has carried the ship to sea and were vital to the completion of construction and testing I have been deeply honored to see you grow into a team that is ready to undertake any mission we are assigned. This is without a doubt the finest crew I’ve ever had. The pleasure to serve with. Yeah, it’s been a long challenging road to finally arrive at this ceremony today. It required an exceptional team effort by literally thousands of hard working, dedicated Americans, both uniformed and civilian first to the shipbuilders at general dynamics electric boat and Newport news shipbuilding. I want to thank everyone of your personnel who put this fine ship together. From the carpenters to the welders, the painters, to the test organizations you built a fine ship that will faithfully take us to see for the next 30 plus years of service to the nation. Thank you sir, to the many organizations that support our team. I thank you as well. Commander, Submarine Force, Atlantic Submarine Squadrons four and 12 Submarine Readiness Squadron 32, supervisor of shipbuilding, Groton Submarine Base, New London and nearly every submarine on the Gratin waterfront has helped our crew in countless ways. Over the past five years since we stood this screw up, we could not have reached this milestone without you to the people of the state of Oregon. We wholeheartedly thank you for your support and the honor of carrying your state’s name and history on board our ship. Uh, and I literally mean history uh, for those of you that we’re at the chairman’s reception yesterday. Uh, the Maritime Museum presented us an amazing gift, which is a porthole from the battleship Oregon to, to bear on board our ship and take with us, uh, an amazing gift and Cobb is still figuring out where he’s gonna put it. Um, the people of Oregon have been exceptionally warm from our, our cruise trips to visit the state, to the events we’ve shared over the past few days all the way to the positive comments on social media. We could not have done this without the fantastic help of the USs Oregon commissioning committee who kept us on track through a once in a century. Global pandemic to Jim Lasher Arlo Catchall and the members of the committee. Thank you. We anticipate outstanding future cooperation with the state of Oregon and we definitely need to plan that luau. When the ship reaches Hawaii to Miss Dana Richardson, we could not have picked a more perfectly experienced and supportive sponsor and who knew that they were going to celebrate with us with those wonderful sirens to have a sponsor who understands perhaps better than anyone else. The challenges of being a military spouse and in particular, a submarine spouse is a true blessing. And your ongoing work supporting military families is amazing. Thanks for offering your spirit to this ship, your support to the crew and their families and your own family’s enthusiasm. Finally, yes. Finally, to the people that make this all possible to Oregon, the crew of organs. Families, you have already endured the long nights of import duty. The interminable stretches of shift work and unpredictable under ways. Thank you for your flexibility for your sacrifices and your unwavering support. I will always be in awe of the dedication of RMB Woodsman Mrs. destiny Flores and our family readiness group. And I look forward to growing and strengthening the Oregon family. We could not do this without you. But over a century ago, the battleship USS Oregon became a household name. Finally referred to as the bulldog of the navy for her exceptional performance during the Spanish American war and I won’t completely rehash that right now. You should go look it up on Wikipedia is our friend. Uh, But she was awakened from a comfortable West Coast slumber and famously steamed over 14,000 nautical miles from Bremerton Washington to San Francisco and then past the southern tip of South America through the strait of Magellan and then to Cuba to engage the Spanish fleet at the Battle of Santiago on July 3, 1898. Reading the story is amazing. She quickly put to sea And steamed at sustained high speeds for the time, almost 17 knots. Um trained a green crew and augmented it by reservists while conducting the transit and rapidly transitioned from a peacetime mindset and a beautiful white peacetime paint job to the dull gray paint and the steely look of a ship and crew that were ready for combat. Today. It seems the world is trending towards instability Again. Trailblazers, it is your charge to defend freedom of the seas and deter aggression. With this wonderful ship constructing. Construction and testing are complete. You have left the shipyard behind. You have tested the ship’s systems and you have already steamed over 14,000 nautical miles yourselves on board our ship. It’s called to arms like the battleship Oregon was, there will likely be no time to change our paint job, recruit reservists or train ourselves to be successful in combat. It is our duty and responsibility to be ready to answer the call anytime anywhere and with decisive force and I have absolute confidence in this crew’s readiness and commitment. Congratulations. Trailblazers. And now it’s time to go get organized Oregon attention. Trailblazers! Oh, you can do better than that. Trailblazers! Thank you! Will the guests please rise. Jacqueline Dupree will deliver the benediction. Let us pray eternal Father Strong to save whose arm hath bound the restless wave. This is our navy, him formed of the earth’s core and powered by the Earth’s minerals. You have blessed this boat and this crew with the frontier spirit of Oregon. It has been a long trail here with thousands on the journey from design and construction through sea trials. And even as we end this portion of the journey with today’s celebration, we are prepared to embark again to the silent depths and unseen courses to take our turn and protecting liberties forged in the sacrifices of our gallant forebears. And so we offer the submarine verse of this Great Him, Lord God! Our power evermore, whose arm doth reach the ocean floor, die with our force beneath the sea traverse the depths protectively. Oh, hear us when we pray and keep them safe from peril in the deep and May the blessing of God Almighty rest upon you and remain with you always amen