Its an exciting and serious time as the future USS MONTANA prepares to go to sea.

Meanwhile Montanans throughout Big Sky Country continue to demonstrate their support for the nuclear-powered fast attack submarine and her sailors. One way they are doing that is by attending special presentations that feature ringing the unique ship’s bell that will be presented to the boat when she is commissioned in 2022. The next event is in Great Falls on Monday evening, November 15.

Crew Certification and Sea Trials

Leaders and crew of MONTANA, that is now pier-side at Huntington Ingalls Newport News Shipbuilding, have been operating aboard. And they continue to work toward the next very significant milestones in the life of our namesake warship: crew certification and sea trials.

Commanding officer CDR Jon Quimby reports the focus on at-sea operational proficiency, “…to be at our best by sea trials”.

We’ll provide future updates.

Oro y Plata Bell Tour

Great Falls area residents will be able to join so many others around Montana able to experience an unveiling and ringing of the MONTANA’s future ship’s bell. The event will on the evening of Monday, November 15.

We hope many will join us for what has become a powerful and meaningful time for all around the state who see the unique bell and hear it’s beautiful tones as it is rung in honor of our veterans, our future veterans, and our first responders.

An exact submarine-sized replica of the bell aboard the first and only other USS MONTANA commissioned in 1908, the bell also honors our State Motto, Oro y Plata (Gold and Silver). Melted into it are real Montana gold and silver as well as gold and silver dolphin pins worn by submariners.

The Great Falls event on the 15th will also include a reception and an exciting presentation on the submarine and the first USS MONTANA. It will be at the Holiday Inn and Convention Center, 1100 5th Street South. Doors open at 5:30 pm, with the program at 6:00 pm. Cost is $15.

The Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce is co-hosting the event, and taking registrations on its website. You may also call 406.761.4434.

We hope to see you in Great Falls, or hope you will check periodically for other future presentation dates and locations.