The christening, or ceremonial naming of the Montana’s namesake warship in connection with its launching is now scheduled for September 12!

This is the ceremony during which our Ship Sponsor, Sally Jewell, is expected to break a bottle of sparkling wine against the hull of PCU MONTANA SSN 794, proclaiming the traditional words, “”In the name of the United States, I christen thee Montana. May God bless her and all who sail in her.”

Confirmation of the event date was received from Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia, where the christening will take place prior to the MONTANA’s being floated. Work and dockside testing will then continue until she is ready for sea trials in 2021.

Acceptance of the MONTANA by the Navy and her commissioning into the fleet is still likely late next year.

Undoubtedly in part because of COVID-19 uncertainties and guidelines, details of the christening ceremony itself are not yet available. As soon as we know more, including about potential christening attendance by Montanans, we will pass it along.

We are, of course excited about this important forthcoming milestone!

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Want to participate – virtually – in a MONTANA crew Fun Run?

With the current COVID-19 pandemic and the isolation associated with it, the crew of the future USS MONTANA reports getting a little stir crazy. Yes, even submariners eventually miss the fresh air, reports crew liaison Lieutenant Aaron Bishop.

A solution to get outside, with social distancing? The Crew of MONTANA has decided to conduct 7.94 kilometer Virtual Fun Run on July 9.

The day and distance were chosen to honor the ship’s hull number (SSN 794).

To participate by logging your fun run time wherever you are, the crew suggests going to the link here.

Members of the USS Montana Committee, friends and family can participate online, running wherever they are, and can buy a T-shirt at the link here.

T-shirts cost $25, with all proceeds benefitting the MONTANA crew Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) fund.

The shirts were designed by LTJG Michael Bush, one of the new junior officers. The overall project is being managed by Ensign Cody Popelka of Cut Bank, another of the MONTANA’s new junior officers

Says LT. Bishop, “We hope to see the results of your run, and we appreciate the amazing continued support shown by the great state of Montana! Do or Die! Big Sky!”

The crew also hopes to make the virtual run an annual tradition.

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The first appearance of the parade and event float sponsored by the Montana Daughters of the American Revolution and Sons of the American Revolution honoring our state’s future namesake warship and her crew was in Big Timber a few days ago.

DAR/SAR volunteers, and USS Montana Committee members from as far away as Cut Bank were on hand to help and to see the float in the Big Timber annual parade.

To suggest an event for the float, just provide the request and complete information on the www.ussmontanacommittee.us website’s Contact page.