NOTE: Invitation registration has now closed. Information will go directly from the Navy to all who registered by September 30.
USS New Hampshire Community Commissioning Committee Website Offers Invitation Registration
Portsmouth NH (August 4, 2008) -- The US Navy's newest Virginia-class submarine, the USS New Hampshire (SSN-778) has returned from alpha sea trials with flying colors. In announcing the successful completion of the trails, the Navy noted that this sub has closed the gap between Christening (June 21, 2008) and completion of alpha trials from 11 months to 6 weeks. That also puts the Commissioning of New Hampshire's namesake submarine on October 25, 2008 at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in higher relief.
The USS New Hampshire Community Commissioning Committee is pushing full steam ahead to prepare that celebration for the sub's crew, contractors and the citizens of New Hampshire. Their website, www.ussnewhampshire.org has full details and a sense of urgency.
The Commissioning Ceremony itself is a public event, funded by taxpayers' dollars. But tickets to the Commissioning are controlled by a Navy review process. Those who are interested in attending must register to receive an invitation to request the actual tickets. And that registration must be completed by August 15th..
The Commissioning Celebration, designed to give the USS New Hampshire and her crew and warm send-off, is funded by the host community -- in this case all of New Hampshire. Information about sponsorships at many levels is also included on the website under the heading "Support Our Submarine." The sponsorships range from a $25,000 Keynote Sponsor level down to a $3 button that allows any individual to be part of the celebration support -- and offers the chance to win a package of all the USS New Hampshire Commissioning memorabilia that is being produced for the celebration.
Bulk packs of Commissioning Celebration buttons are available for companies interested in distributing them to customers and employees. New Hampshire companies are especially encouraged to consider participating in the Commissioning Celebration and can contact Sponsorship Chair Mike Daigle directly at mdaigle@datarisk.com
The Committee also welcomes volunteers for the preparation and managing of special Commissioning Week events. Full contact details on the website, www.ussnewhampshire.org
MEDIA CONTACT:
Stephanie Seacord, Information Director, USS New Hampshire Community Commissioning Committee www.ussnh.org
Events
10/19 USS New Hampshire arrived in Portsmouth 11:15 am
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Thru 11/2 Scarecrows of the Port Festival
Downtown merchants present first annual "Scarecrows in the Port" harvest festival, commissioning celebration and welcome to the crew and their families.
10/25/2008 US Navy Commissioning Ceremony, 10 am
10/27/2008 USS New Hampshire departs, 12:20 pm