Major recent milestone achievements in several areas signal significant progress toward the USS MONTANA’s making its planned homeport move to Pear Harbor, Hawaii, over coming months.

The Captain of SSN 994, CDR Jon Quimby, credits outstanding performance by the crew for meeting Navy requirements in three specific areas necessary before the nuclear-powered fast attack submarine and crew are approved for at-sea operations and the move to its new home port:

• Completion of a Pre-Critical Inspection with Commander, Submarine Squadron Eight, followed by completion of a Post-Overhaul Reactor Safeguards Examination conducted by Fleet Forces Command. CDR Quimby tells us that both inspections went well, and the MONTANA was certified to operate its reactor and engine room again when it soon leaves its Post-Shakedown Availability period at Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia.

• Completion of Phase One Crew Certification, also with Commander, Submarine Squadron Eight. CDR Quimby explains that this is the first step of two certifications that ultimately lead to getting SSN 794 back to sea for more trials, testing (related to acoustics, for example) and operations that are planned on the way to Hawaii.

The crew’s performance and milestone accomplishments have everyone looking forward to final crew certification requirements, according to CDR Quimby, and the eventual homeport change this summer.

Several crew members have been working with counterparts in Hawaii on planning for the upcoming move. As an example, Executive Officer LCDR Caleb Young was there last week.

Those of us fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend time with the Captain and crew members during their recent visit to Western Montana saw and heard first-hand the enthusiasm and professionalism that is being reflected in the MONTANA’s progress toward joining the Pacific Fleet!