Portsmouth Readies Public Celebration for USS New Hampshire Commissioning
Portsmouth NH (October 10, 2008) - With just over two weeks to go before the official US Navy Commissioning of its latest Virginia-class submarine, the USS New Hampshire (SSN 778), at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, details are being finalized for all the activities hosted by the Community Commissioning Committee.
Welcoming Boat Parade
On the day the USS New Hampshire arrives, she will be met by a Welcoming Boat Parade up the Piscataqua River to the Shipyard. Although the exact date and time have not been released by the Navy, the sub is expected to arrive early in the week of October 20, in the morning. Three Portsmouth cruiseship companies - Isles of Shoals Steamship Authority, Portsmouth Harbor Cruises and Tug Alley Too -- will give passengers an up-close look and the opportunity to greet "our" submarine as she arrives in New Hampshire. Tickets will be sold in advance but ticketholders must be prepared for a flexible schedule on the parade due to security concerns. The exact date and time for the Welcoming Boat Parade departures will be announced 96 hours in advance. For ticket details, click here.
Commissioning Ceremony Viewing
All of the 3200 Shipyard dockside tickets are now distributed. But those who want an even closer view of the ceremony should plan to attend the free screening of the full ceremony - and a few extra features - on the jumbotron sponsored by FairPoint Communications at Prescott Park. Completely free and open to the public, the Community Commissioning Celebration will include:
· Film of the construction, christening and sea trials of the USS New Hampshire
· Live, simulcast of the Navy commissioning ceremony, 10-11 am
· Live performance by The Shaw Brothers, New Hampshire's favorite singing group
Portsmouth Rotary Lunch
At the conclusion of the ceremonies, visitors can enjoy a BBQ cook-out prepared by the Portsmouth Rotary. Tickets for the lunch are $15 per person and include admission to the tent set up at Strawbery Banke Museum (Marcy Street side, opposite Prescott Park). Tickets for the lunch, which organizers expect to sell out, may be purchased in advance from Maine-ly New Hampshire (Deer Street), Paradiza (State Street), Tug Boat Alley (Bow Street), Ocean Bank (Islington and State Street) and the Portsmouth Chamber (Market Street). Also available online in the "Store" section of the www.ussnewhampshire.org website, or call Laurie at 603-610-5527 for information.
Parking
In addition to the downtown lots, parking for the Community Commissioning Celebration will be offered at Pease Tradeport, with free trolley transportation throughout the day between the parking and Prescott Park. Follow the signs posted on the highways and local streets on the day of the event.
Siren:
At 12:30 pm Florida Power & Light will be testing its Seabrook Station siren public warning system. Emergency sirens in 120 locations within a 10 mile radius of Seabrook Station will participate in the drill. While the test has been planned for October 25th for over a year, Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant Communications Officer, Mr. Alan Griffith said, "Consider it our salute to the USS New Hampshire."
Scarecrows of the Port Festival
Downtown merchants present the first annual "Scarecrows in the Port" harvest festival, commissioning celebration and welcome to the crew and their families, October 17 through November 2. The West End Business Association kick-offs the event on Friday, October 17, 5-7 pm with a scarecrow competition, refreshments and entertainment.. 500 Islington Street. Buskers will entertain in Market Square from 7-9 pm and businesses will be open until 9 pm or later.
For more information on USS New Hampshire Community Commissioning Celebration events, visit www.ussnewhampshire.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