We hope many Montanans will be able to meet and visit with the next crew members of the future USS MONTANA to visit the Treasure State.

As did their crew colleagues (some of whom are shown here) in other areas of Montana earlier in the summer, our next visitors will have a packed schedule as they learn about Montana’s history, culture and economy – and meet Montana patriots who will support the USS MONTANA and her crews during her entire thirty-year expected service life.

Beginning with their arrival in Bozeman on Monday, August 19, the crew members will see Montana State University, tour Yellowstone National Park, stay at Montana Tech, learn about Butte’s mining history and attend the public events.

The crew visitors will be led by Master Chief Mel Walker, MONTANA’s Chief of the Boat, or senior enlisted sailor. With him will be Petty Officer First Class Benjamin Hanks, a Machinists Mate Nuclear who is the highest enlisted supervisor in the boat’s engineroom. Also with him will be Petty Officer Second Class Jacob Kruse. He is in the process of qualifying as a Pilot, the highest enlisted supervisory qualification in the tactical portion of the boat. The sailors are excited to be coming to Montana!

There will be two free public events that we encourage Montanans to attend so they can meet and visit with these fine sailors.

The first is the Ruby Valley Healthcare Foundation’s Annual Country Western Dance and BBQ event at 5:00 pm on Wednesday evening at the Hamilton Ranch Round Barn in Twin Bridges.

The second is Music on Main’s Military Appreciation Night in Butte, beginning at 6:00 pm.

No reservations are needed for either of these fun and worthwhile events, and both are free.

If you have questions, please call Ron Davis on the Twin Bridges event at (406) 490-0098.

Paul Babb at (406) 497-2114 can answer questions about the Music on Main in Butte.