Good morning ladies and gentlemen , it
is my distinct honor and privilege to
welcome you to the home of the atlantic
fleet , historic naval station Norfolk
Virginia and the commissioning of USs
Montana , I am Lieutenant Commander
Chris Jessel , the ship's executive
officer on behalf of the crew of your
submarine Montana . I would like to
express our sincere gratitude for
joining us here today . Before our
celebration begins , please silence
your cell phones and be seated . Thank
you .
We are here today to celebrate the
commissioning of USs Montana . The
second ship completed and placed into
service to bear the name of the
Treasure State . The 1st USS Montana
A Cr 13 , also referred to as armored
cruiser number 13 was a Tennessee Class
armored cruiser of the United States
Navy . She was built by the Newport
News Drydock and Shipbuilding Company
And she was commissioned in July 1908 .
The final class of armored cruisers to
be built for the United States Navy
Montana and her sisters were armed with
a main battery of 410 in guns and were
capable of a top speed of 22 knots .
Montana spent her active duty career in
the atlantic fleet . She made two
cruises to the Mediterranean Sea to
protect American citizens in the
Ottoman Empire . The first in 1909 ,
in the aftermath of the young Turk
Revolution And the second during the
Balkan Wars in 1913 . Montana
was also involved in political unrest
in Central American countries sending
landing parties Ashore in Haiti and
Mexico during the occupation of
Veracruz , both in 1914
After the United States entered World
War I . April 1917 , Montana was
tasked with convoy and training ship
duties . With the end of the war in
November 1918 came a new task
transporting american soldiers back
from the battlefields of europe . She
made six round trips to France and
carried back a total of nearly 9000 men .
Montana was then transferred to the
puget sound Naval Yard in Washington
State , where she was decommissioned
and renamed Missoula . She remained in
the reserve fleet until 1930 when she
was Stricken under the terms of the
London Naval Treaty , We are honored to
continue the lineage established by the
previous ship to proudly bear the name
Montana . The new Montana moored before
you affectionately referred to as a
boat by members of the submarine
community and the crew will soon join
America's Silent Service . Montana is a
Virginia class submarine and with her
sister ships , she represents a
revolution in submarine design ,
construction and mission capability
brimming with leading edge technology
and advanced engineering . This vessel
brings versatility and firepower to the
fleet . Montana and the Virginia class
are among the most effective platforms
in the United States Navy and this
warship takes another step forward in
advancing the superiority of our
submarine force capable of operating in
the far corners of the world's oceans
undetected while connected to sea , air
and land based forces . These
submarines are equipped to wage
multidimensional warfare around the
globe , Montana's adaptability makes
it highly responsive to changing
mission requirements and provides the
nation with the capabilities required
to be the decisive factor in any
conflict . In addition to anti
submarine warfare , anti surface ship
warfare and counter mine warfare ,
Montana will support surveillance ,
special operations and covert strike
missions . Thank you for allowing each
of us the privilege to serve our nation
as a part of your navy .
Construction began on the submarine you
see behind me in May 2018 and it was
Christened on September 12 , 2020 . in
Newport news Virginia . Today , the U .
S . S . Montana is tested and battle
ready . We are all very proud to serve
on the newest attack submarine in the
United States Navy . The commissioning
ceremony is a time honored tradition
that began with the commissioning of
the Navy's first ship , A captured
British Schooner , The Margarita in
1775 . Since then , thousands
of ships have undergone the transition
from silent hull to a fully alive
warship . My shipmates , our crew
hereafter known as plank owners are in
formation and ready in just a few
moments . The United States Fleet
Forces band and Naval station Norfolk
saluting battery will render honors to
the honorable Greg Gianforte .
Will the guests please rise and remain
standing for the arrival of our
official party honors the presentation
of colors , our national anthem and the
invocation .
Ladies and gentlemen , our platform
guests , Commander Geoffrey
Quinn chaplain corps , United States
Navy , our ceremony chaplain
dr Bill Whitsett , Chairman U . S . S .
Montana commissioning committee and our
long glass presenter ,
Miss Jennifer Boykin , President ,
Newport News Shipbuilding ,
Captain Brian Hogan , United States
Navy Commander , Submarine Squadron
eight ,
Rear Admiral David Goggins , United
States Navy Program , Executive Officer ,
attack submarines .
Vice Admiral William Houston , United
States Navy Commander , Submarine
Forces ,
Admiral Frank caldwell , United States
Navy Director , Naval nuclear
propulsion program .
The honorable eric raven undersecretary
of the Navy ,
The honorable bobby scott , United
States Representative State of Virginia .
Third District .
Ladies and gentlemen , our ship's
sponsor , Miss Sally jewel escorted by
Master Chief Petty Officer , timothy ,
baldwin Montana's chief of the boat .
Ladies and gentlemen , the honorable
Greg Gianforte , Governor , State of
Montana escorted today by commander
john Quimby Montana's commanding
officer .
Ladies , platform , hand
salute ,
platform , ready to
advance the colors ,
platform and salute .
Mhm . Mhm .
Yeah .
Mhm .
Yeah ,
retire the colors .
Yeah , platform ready to .
We would like to thank the military
veterans of the brothers Drum group for
their tribute to the Montana tribes .
The State of Montana and our nation .
The United States Fleet Forces band ,
Naval station , Norfolk saluting
battery and the Submarine readiness
Squadron 30 for color guard for their
participation in our ceremony today .
Ladies and gentlemen , chaplain Quinn
will deliver the invocation .
Let us pray almighty
and all gracious . God hear our prayers .
We give you thanks for the gift of this
beautiful day for the opportunity to
gather together in a spirit of
fellowship and celebration for the
mighty work . now complete in the birth
of the Montana . And for the high
calling to which this vessel and her
crew now rise as you've blessed us so
many times before we pray that you
would bless us once more by your
presence in this place , sanctify this
hour to each of us that all that's said
and done here might be pleasing in your
sight for you are our rock , our Hope
and our Redeemer Amen .
Thank you chaplain Quinn . Will the
guests please be seated Montana ,
Parade rest ,
ladies and gentlemen , the honorable
bobby scott .
Good morning ! It's a beautiful day
here in Norfolk to commission and bring
to life another great vessel , the USs
Montana . I'd like to personally
welcome my former colleague in Congress
and the governor of the great state of
Montana Greg Gianforte for two Hampton
roads and to the Norfolk naval station .
And also under Secretary raven and the
ship's sponsor sally jewel . Give them
a round of applause
In Congress have the privilege of
representing Virginia's 3rd
Congressional District , which includes
Newport News shipbuilding just across
the river from here . The nuclear
submarines and aircraft carriers
constructed in Newport News are vital
to our nation's national security and I
know my friend and shipyards President
jennifer Boykin's will have a lot more
to say about that in just a few minutes ,
our navy must be ready to respond to
any challenge that lay ahead and just
as the threats at home or abroad need
to quickly , we need to quickly respond
to a humanitarian disaster or any other
emergency . In 2022 , the global
challenges we're now facing with a
former cold war foe foe raging an
unprovoked war in Ukraine and China ,
exerting more influence and investing
significantly in its own Navy . It is
critical that our own nation continue
to make sustained and increased
investments in shipbuilding so that we
can continue to build the most
sophisticated and advanced ships in the
world . The Virginia class submarine
program is a prime example of that
effort to meet that vital goal . The
Montana is the 21st Virginia class
submarine to be delivered to the Navy .
Like it's 20 sister ships of Montana
will continue to allow the Navy to
maintain our nation's undersea
supremacy . This new ship will be a
fine example of our dedication to
maintaining our sovereign ability to
sail the oceans unfettered to protect
american interests all over the world .
Citizens of the great state of Montana
can be justifiably proud of this new
ship that carries its name . Mhm
The I want to personally thank our
shipbuilders here in Newport news and
in Connecticut , an electric boat for
their dedication to their trade . We've
always answered the call to construct
America's finest ships and maintain and
repair them when necessary to ensure
that our fleet is ready to face any
national defense challenge . The
Montana reflects the shipbuilders ,
professionalism , skill and dedication
to our nation and to its to our navy ,
each shipbuilder should be proud of the
contributions that they're making to
the defense of the United States under
the captain and crew and family members
of the crew of the USs Montana .
Congratulations on today's
commissioning on behalf of the United
States Congress , we wish you fair
winds and following seas . Does you
start this important journey of getting
this great ship ready for active duty
service ? Thank you for your service
and dedication to our navy , the
american people and our great nation .
We are eternally grateful . Thank you
very much .
Thank you Representative scott .
Ladies and gentlemen , Miss jennifer
Boykin .
Mhm Thank you . Thank you And good
morning ladies and gentlemen and
especially our ship sponsor sally jewel .
It's my honor to be here today
representing the 25,000 shipbuilders of
Newport News shipbuilding who build and
repair the most awesome assets that we
deliver to our navy Along with our
submarine teammates from General
Dynamics Electric boat and our supplier
businesses from across all 50 states ,
skilled women and men who partnered to
build Montana . Every day they put
their hearts minds and might into her
construction and today celebrates the
culmination of their hard work . Every
commissioning is special and today's is
particularly memorable when you
consider the challenges . Our ship
builders overcame To deliver this
magnificent submarine . Much of
Montana's construction took place
during the height of the COVID-19
pandemic . In fact when she was
christened by sally jewel , it was to a
virtual audience with little fanfare .
Yet even in the most trying of times ,
big sky country was with us all the way
We welcomed elected officials ,
representatives from the 12 tribes of
Montana commissioning committee
chairman Bill Whitson and Sally's Maid
of honor Mariah Gladstone who all
participated with us virtually and
although they weren't there physically
to feel the spray of the american
sparkling wine hit Montana's bow .
Thanks by the way to sally's awesome ,
incredible swing . We felt them . In
fact , we , we felt the spirit of the
whole state of Montana with us all the
way . We are so proud to be able to
return to an in person event and give
our nation's newest submarine . The
traditional celebration that she
deserves today is a
dedication to the , in a testament to
the dedication , expertise and
commitment by our shipbuilding and navy
team . The submarine behind me
represents the best our nation has to
offer american manufacturing at its
finest american ingenuity in all
its splendor and american protection
like none other . While we may not see
or hear about their service , we depend
on these submarines and their crews
more and more every day to silently
protect the freedoms that we hold most
dear . We are proud of the role we play
in this very important work and we
understand the responsibility that
comes with taking a submarine to test
test depth for the first time and every
time . So to all the shipbuilders in
the audience today and those watching
on our live webcast . Thank you for
answering the call to serve as only you
can and to Commander Quimby and the
crew of uss Montana . Thank you and
your families for your sacrifice and
your service and thank you for your
partnership . As you take Montana To
see , please know that you carry with
her the pride of thousands of
shipbuilders and the strength of
american manufacturing . We wish you
godspeed . Thank you .
Thank you Miss Boykin ,
Ladies and general Gentlemen , Admiral
Frank caldwell .
Well , good morning , It is an absolute
honor to be here to welcome our 21st
Virginia class submarine to the fleet .
Welcome to all of our guests ,
especially Governor Gianforte and are
proud Montana families and our sponsor ,
Miss Sally jewel . This is a great day
for Montana and a great day for our
submarine force . Governor Montana
has always had a fantastic relationship
with our navy . In our history , 30
warships have represented big sky
country and now our newest fast attack
submarine is the second to bear the
name of the treasure State . Since the
state's founding in 18 89 montanans
have served our country with honor ,
pride and always with the courageous
spirit of the Montana tribes and I have
to tell you , it is just awesome to see
the tribe members here today . I am
confident that this boat and her crew
will embody that spirit and boldly
operating far forward when necessary ,
wherever and whenever we need them . So
congratulations to all Montana's and
thank you for your enduring support of
our United States Navy to our sponsor ,
Miss Sally Jewel Sally . You have
dedicated many years to the stewardship
of our great land and now you will
shape the legacy of this vote , Miss
Jewel , your character and your strong
spirit will be a source of pride for
all who sail in Montana and your
leadership will have a profound effect
and impact on the crew . I know that
you will watch over Montana sailors and
their families and celebrate their
service alongside of them .
Congratulations ! And on this day we
are exceptionally proud to call you a
member of our submarine family . Ladies
and gentlemen , we live in an era of
strategic competition where our
competitors seek to challenge the
United States in every domain . If we
are to maintain our powerful undersea
advantage , our nation must continue to
build the very best submarines in the
world and to select and train the
finest sailors in our navy . Soon
Montana will patrol the frontiers of
the world's oceans , employing her
stealth , flexibility , fire power and
endurance collecting intelligence
preparing for battle and if necessary ,
striking swiftly from the deep without
warning to answer the nation's call .
Now none of this would be possible
without the unwavering support of our
congressional leaders . Nor would it be
possible without the amazing team of
Newport news , shipbuilding electric
boat , naval reactors , the Naval
nuclear Laboratory B . P . M . I . And
countless vendors from around the
United States . Collectively , they
build the most complex and most capable
machines ever put to sea . And they do
it with tremendous skill , pride and
patriotism because of the hard work and
dedication of this amazing team .
Montana is ready to serve our nation
and finally to commander john Quimby in
the Fantastic Montana Crew . Much has
been demanded of you and your team
during final construction and at sea
testing and even more will be expected
of you in the future today . Your hard
work will be realized and you will
bring this boat to life . But from this
day forward you and Montana will carry
the immense burden of defending our
freedoms around the globe as vigilantes
of the deep . Our Navy and our nation
are depending on you . Thank you And
God bless our United States Navy and
our submarine force .
Okay , thank you . Admiral CAldwell .
Ladies and gentlemen , the honorable
eric raven .
Good morning everyone . It's an
absolute honor to join you here today
to commission the USs Montana As my
good friend Admiral caldwell just
pointed out , it is a great day , a
great day to celebrate a great boat
with a great crew named after a great
state and I can't think of a
and I can't think of a better way to
start this ceremony than that amazing
drum performance by the brothers drum
group . Thank you so much for that
incredible performance . And let me say
also thank you to all the tribal
leaders who are here today for this
incredible ceremony . I am honored by
your presence and you helped drive home
what this boat's namesake represents
and what a namesake it is . You just
heard Admiral caldwell talk about the
rich history and the Navy's connection
to big sky country and Montana . Just
look at the U . S . S . Montana's
official emblem . It is a treasure
trove of homages to Montana . There are
too many to mention them all , but I
would like to highlight just a few that
have really stuck out to me . First ,
there's the breathtaking view of
Glacier National Park which seems to
have no end this boat and her crew will
feel that same sense of vastness as
they deploy across the globe in the
ocean's depths . Then there are the
gold and silver dolphins worn proudly
by our submariners , a fitting
reflection of Montana's motto of oro
plata . What better reminder than to
wear the minerals of your namesake on
your chest every day . And even better
as we learned last night to know that
the medals of Europeans are infused
into the medals that made the Montana
bell on your ship And of course there
are the two eagle feathers with colored
thongs that symbolize the history
values and culture of native american
tribes throughout Montana . So well
represented at the reception last night
and here today More than 15,000 native
Americans and Alaskan natives are
serving in the Department of the Navy
today as sailors , marines and
civilians , they serve in every part of
the world , executing complex missions
including service beneath the waves ,
in our submarine fleet . That big sky .
Native american spirit is now infused
into every inch of this boat and with
her crew . This is but one way that the
service of the U . S . S . Montana will
be shaped by the people of Montana .
Now , just as important as the
connection between the boat , its crew
with its namesake is the connection
with the ship's sponsor . The U . S . S .
Montana is lucky to have the honorable
sally jewel as their sponsor as former
Secretary of the Interior . You
understand what these powerful symbols
mean to Montana and our nation and the
significance they will bestow on this
boat and all who sail aboard . Her
Secretary Jewel . I know that the
journey to today has been a long one
throughout you have been steadfast
providing active leadership and support
to the boat and crew , your personality ,
your values and your energy are now
intertwined with this boat and crew .
Thank you for your service to our
nation and to our navy
and this boat is twice as blessed
having Mariah Gladstone as sally's maid
of honor . Thank you Mariah for your
unique , bringing your unique spirit to
this boat . We are grateful for your
commitment to the U . S . U . S . S .
Montana and her crew . Admiral Rickover ,
the father of the Nuclear navy once
said the devil is in the details . But
so is the salvation . We are here
because of the detailed focus of every
engineer , technician , sailor and
builder who had a hand in this marvel
of american engineering and power . The
U . S . S . Montana is proof of what
our civilian contractor and military
teams can accomplish together . When
the U . S . S . Montana joins our fleet ,
she will add the next generation of
stealth surveillance and special
warfare capabilities to our joint force .
She will strengthen our nation's
ability to keep the peace or restore it
through decisive action . This powerful
boat and our crew will protect our sea
lanes , strengthen our maritime
dominance and deepen our relationships
with our allies and partners . The
Montana . Big Sky spirit will carry our
vigilantes of the deep through many
challenges and missions ahead . Even
when its crew cannot see the sky . So
to commander Quimby in the U . S . S .
Montana crew , we know you are ready .
We have great expectations for and
great confidence in you in this boat .
May it defend our way of life . Thank
you .
And it is now my honor and privilege to
introduce our principal speaker for
today's commissioning . Please join me
in welcoming the governor of Montana
the honorable Greg Gianforte . Okay ,
okay , thank you . Good morning . What
an exciting day . It's great to be here
with you all . I always feel pride for
our great country but being here at
this event , wow ! What a great
group and what a great occasion . How
blessed are we to be americans
undersecretary eric raven . Thank you
for taking the time to be here and for
that introduction and thank you for
your service and support of the state
of Montana . I'd like to also
acknowledge , acknowledge our tribal
partners , both those represented here
today and those who are not of course
we heard the drum group earlier ,
representatives of the Salish and
kootenai tribes , the fort Belknap a
Cinna Boyne and Grove on tribes that
saw the chairman of Little Shell
chippewa tribe here . The northern
Cheyenne tribe . Thank you for being
here And honoring all eight of the
tribal nations in Montana . I'd also
like to acknowledge the tribal nations
who are not represented here today ,
but just as much montanans and
americans . The Blackfeet nation . The
Crow nation , The four Pack of Sina
Boyne and Sioux Tribes and the Chippewa
Cree Tribe of Rocky Boy tribal
communities in Montana have a long and
decorated history of military service .
I'm proud the USs Montana will preserve
the rich culture and many contributions
of our tribal neighbors in including
those who served and are serving our
country in uniform . I'd also like to
recognize the U . S . S . Montana
committee and its Chair Bill Whitsett
Bill and the members of the committees .
The committee . Congratulations on your
tremendous work . You took great time
and care to bring the voice of
montanans to this committee ,
developing meaningful relationships
across our state . You made an
extraordinary contribution to Montana
and our nation and we wouldn't be here
today without your help . Thank you .
Please join me in giving them a round
of applause .
Now , more than ever , american
strength in the world stage is needed
today . The world's most powerful ,
advanced and capable Navy adds to its
fleet . One of the most sophisticated
submarines ever built missions
conducted on the USS Montana will make
our nation and world more secure .
All thanks to the service of her
officers and enlisted sailors
to the U . S . S . Montana's future .
Crew members . Thank you for your
service to our nation . It's because of
heroes like you that we live in the
greatest country on earth and have the
strongest military on the earth . Thank
you .
But your service to our country would
not be possible without your families .
Behind . Each of our brave servicemen
and women is an equally brave
supportive family that sacrifices to
allow our sailors to serve our nation
to family members who have joined us
today . Thank you to each one of you
for your service and sacrifice .
I'd also like to recognize commander
john Quimby . Lieutenant commander
chris Jessel . Master Chief timothy ,
baldwin , Thank you for your leadership .
You will provide the sailors aboard the
USs Montana . Our state will always
support you and your crew members ,
your families and your missions in
uncertain times . When those uncertain
times come , I hope crew members will
draw strength from one Montana value in
particular and that's resilience .
We are reminded of the resilience of
Montana recently . In fact , the whole
nation was last week floods
swept through communities in certain
regions of Montana . These floods
washed away homes , bridges , roads ,
uprooted families and temporary left
communities without water or power . No
one should have to go through disasters
like that . But through it all , we've
seen the resilience of our communities
and our people , first responders in
some cases impacted by the disaster
themselves , left their homes each day
to put their neighbors before
themselves . Montanans , uncertain of
their own future helped stranded
visitors , neighbors came from far and
wide to stack sandbags , haul mud out
of basements and put lives back
together . Countless volunteers stepped
up and did whatever they could to
support those in need , providing
shelter , delivering food and water and
donating their time and resources .
Within days we were rebuilding
today we're on the road to recovery and
it's all thanks to one thing , Montana
resilience Montana resilience is
a real thing . It's part of who we are
and always has been as sailors in the
United States Navy , it's part of you
too and I'm proud , honored
and humbled . You will carry that
resilience to all corners of the world
in service of our nation . As I
close , let me just say what an honor
it is for me to be here on behalf of
the people of Montana . To celebrate
today's commissioning , having the
world's most sophisticated submarine
commissioned in your state's namesake .
Well , it doesn't happen every day and
we are fortunate and I know she will
live up to her name . Two crew members
and their families know that you are
always welcome in the great state of
Montana . We consider each and every
one of you honorary montanans and take
my word for it . There's a lifetime of
adventure in Montana . Whether you find
yourself knee deep fishing in a blue
ribbon , trout stream climbing a
mountain or just enjoying our big skies .
When you visit , you'll be glad you did
so please when you can come see us .
And when you do tell folks with pride
that you sail on the USs Montana , we
will always be indebted to you for your
service and you will always be warmly
welcomed in the Treasure State without
further ado , let's get to the reason
we're here today . The commissioning
May God bless the U . S . S . Montana
and all who sail aboard her and May God
bless Montana and the United States of
America . Thank you .
Thank you . Governor Gianforte .
Secretary raven , I would be honored if
you would now place Montana in
commission
on behalf of the President of the
United States and for the Secretary of
the Navy , I hereby place . United
States ship Montana in commission . May
God bless and guide this warship and
all who sail in her . Yeah ,
thank you . Secretary raven . Executive
officer hoist the colors and commission
pennant .
Ship's company attention . The
commission pennant in professional
national navies began to take form late
in the 17th century . All ships at that
time were sailing ships and it was
often difficult to tell . A naval ship
from a merchant Hman . Navies began to
adopt long narrow pennants to be flown
by their ships at the main mast head to
distinguish themselves from merchant
ships . The commission pennant will fly
continuously until the ship is
decommissioned . Ladies and gentlemen ,
please rise . I direct your attention
to the ship's mast as we hoist the
colors and commission pennant .
Quartermaster hoist the colors and
commission pennant . All right , sir .
Captain the colors and commission
pennants are flying proudly over U . S .
S . Montana . Very well ,
Ladies and gentlemen , please be seated .
I will now read my orders from
Commander , Navy Navy personnel command
to Commander john Quimby . United
States Navy subject bloopers . Order
number 9580 of one april 2021 .
When directed by reporting senior
detached from present duty and report
his pre commissioning unit Montana as
commanding officer upon commissioning
of U . S . S . Montana . Report for
duty as commanding officer . I'm a
caldwell , United States ship Montana
is in commission and I am in command .
Mm . Thank you sir .
Executive officer Set the first Watch
II . Sir
Officer of the deck . Set the first
watch . Hi sir .
The officer of the deck is the
commanding officers . Direct
representative And while on watch is
responsible for the safety and smooth
operation of the ship . The long
glasses , the traditional symbol of an
officer of the decks authority in a
ship of the line . We are honored to
have our commissioning committee
Chairman , Dr Bill Whitsett with us .
Today , he will assist in setting the
first watch , bypassing the long glass
to our first ships . Duty Officer .
Lieutenant Commander Aaron Stafford
from spring Hill florida . The petty
officer of the deck is sonar technician
submarines . Second class Tory johnson
from Camden south Carolina . The top
side century is logistics specialist
submarines . Second class Hunter Herb
from Gastonia north Carolina . And the
bosun's mate of the watch is bosun's
mate . Second class marissa brooks from
Milwaukee Wisconsin
Set the watch on Deck Section one .
The first watch is set very well .
Mhm .
Captain The watch is set very well .
The spirit of a U . S . Navy warship is
the embodiment of her sponsor . Our
sponsor Miss sally jewel Chris in this
ship here in Virginia on September 12 ,
2020 and imbued the ship and crew with
her sense of commitment and grace sally .
I would be honored if you would give
the order to man our ship and bring her
to life .
Thank you . Commander Quimby . Our
cob And for
all of those of you who serve both in
uniform and not in uniform are amazing
armed forces . It is a true privilege
to be the sponsor of the USs Montana .
And I'm grateful to Ray Mabus , the
former Secretary of the Navy for giving
me the honor and for the many
opportunities we had to work together
with the Navy and other services during
my time in government as US Secretary
of the Interior . I'm also delighted to
have Montana and proud member of the
Blackfeet nation . Mariah Gladstone
serve as maid of honor . Would you
please stand Maria ?
She has been my partner in this journey
uh , since day one and she gave a
blessing and smudged the boat using
Burns stage to convey her blessings to
the boat and all who sail on her . And
it was fun to stand in front of the
large virtual crowd with my U . S . S .
Montana mask . Thank you commissioning
committee for that . Alongside then
Commander Delany and Jennifer Boykin of
Newport News Newport News shipbuilding
To smash the champagne bottle ,
bestowing her name at the Christening
in 2020 . And I didn't miss , which was
a relief . It was also
wonderful to meet the boat's current
commander john Quimby and his capable
team for the first meal nearly a year
ago . And it was very good . So with
awe . I have witnessed the U . S . S .
Montana emerged as an extraordinary
element of our national defense . And
it's through the hard working ship
builders and designers . The capable
submariners and they're supportive
families , all operating through a
global pandemic to ready her for
service to our nation and its allies
and with deep appreciation to dr Bill
Whitsett in the botanic commissioning
committee . The interior of the U . S .
S . Montana , which is a pretty tight
space has come to life through the
images of big sky country , reminding
all who sail on her of the beauty and
the diversity of our nation . And as
has been said by others , I also want
to recognize and appreciate the tribal
nations from Montana who are
represented here and who are back home
who serve with pride and loyalty in
today's armed forces in huge numbers
and who have conveyed amazing gifts and
blessings on the U . S . S . Montana
and her crew . So through the work of
the submariners you see today and those
who are to follow and many families and
short side colleagues that rely on them
and vice versa . I'm confident that the
U . S . S . Montana will play a key
role in furthering freedom around the
world and also confident she will live
up to the spirit of adventure and
resilience of her namesake state . So
are the gentlemen in white , ready back
there ? Let's see . I would
like now the officers and the crew of
the USS Montana s . n794
to man our ship and bring her to life ,
mm hmm .
Ladies and gentlemen , the crew of USs
Montana salute you .
Okay ?
We are proud to serve in America's Navy .
Ready to
ladies and gentlemen , please be seated .
We wish to thank the Montana Air
National Guard 120th Air Wing for their
support . Today , Captain ,
the ship is manned and ready
very well . That's Vice Admiral
Houston . U . S . S . Is manned and
ready very well .
Vigilantes mount up .
Secretary raven . Request permission to
break your flag , sir .
Executive Officer . Break the flag of
the undersecretary of the Navy , aye ,
aye , sir . Quartermaster . Break the
flag of the undersecretary of the Navy .
I
captain , the flag of the Under
Secretary of the Navy is flying proudly
over USs Montana very well .
Ladies and gentlemen , commander john
Quimby , United States Navy Commanding
Officer , Uss Montana .
Mhm Thank thank you , Montana .
Parade rest . Good
morning everyone and welcome to Norfolk .
Governor Gianforte , congressman scott ,
Secretary of the Interior , Former
Secretary sally jewel and more
importantly , our ship's sponsor
undersecretary raven , Admiral's
Distinguished guest Citizens of Montana ,
family and friends . Thank you for
being here to celebrate this momentous
occasion . Today we celebrate the
amazing accomplishment of thousands of
outstanding and hardworking americans
from the hundreds of vendors and
manufacturers across the country to the
builders at electric boat in Groton and
Newport News just across the river and
the countless Navy civilians and
sailors whose efforts were vital to the
completion of the now United States
ship Montana . However , their efforts
would have been for not if not for this
amazing crew in front of you guys today .
You guys have taken this amazing
accomplishment in this impressive
warship to see and back and you brought
it to life without your vigilance and
your dog determination . We wouldn't be
celebrating today . Many of the crew
here before . You aren't the same
sailors who joined the Montana uh ,
several years ago when the crew was
originally man , uh , when the crew was
originally man , many of those sailors
are in the audience today . I've seen
several of them and uh , and I'm glad
that you could join us uh , to uh , to
come back and join us in the
celebration that you had a huge part in
making possible to Montana's first
Commanding Officer Captain Mike Delaney .
I can't say enough about the foundation ,
you and your team laid down for us .
You and the team worked day and night
around the clock , many long shift work
periods . Your efforts then ensured the
mighty warship behind me today is ready
to defend our country now . Well done .
The crew before you today has taken
Montana out of the shipyard on
intensive and complex sea trials , Navy
acceptance trials and operated at sea
for several weeks and over 6000
nautical miles steamed already . The
pride and determination I see in them
to not only succeed but excel is all
inspiring . I've seen you all grow into
a team ready to take on any mission
proud . Just doesn't do the justice .
The feeling that I have justice . I am
proud to serve with you and for you .
And I know we are ready to take on any
challenges thrown our way today . We
honor the arrival of the nation's
newest and most capable warship on our
crest . The latin words , novice ,
prosper , otium defended up here . May
it defend our way of life today ?
Montana assumes the watch and takes her
place to defend our way of life around
the globe . We take pride and our
privilege to be a part of the greatest
submarine force and navy the world has
ever seen . We also have a great
appreciation and respect for the
sacrifices of those who have stood the
watch before us to all veterans in the
crowd uh , and in the , in the country .
Thank you for your service , your
dedication and your continued
inspiration
to the shipbuilders at electric boat in
Groton and in Newport News . I want to
thank every single member of your
workforce for building this amazing
warship , jennifer , great job , Your
hard work and dedication will be on
display for the world to see for the
next 30 plus years . Thank you
to the many organizations that support
Montana . I can't thank you enough
Fleet forces , sub land naval reactors ,
Submarine squadron six and eight .
Submarine readiness squadrons 30 for
supervisor of shipbuilding at Newport
News and every other local submarine
who's helped us provided by providing
watch bill support and their sailors or
other administrative support . Thank
you so much . We couldn't have made it
through our new construction ,
construction testing and sea trials
without the support of all these great
organizations , the people to the
people from Montana . Thank you for
your support and the privilege of
letting us borrow your state name . Not
only your name , but you put your
culture and heritage on display down
below decks from the amazing peace pipe
donated to us last night by the , the
outstanding tribes supported are
represented here today to the wrap of
the Glacier Lake on cruise mess . Your
state is beautiful and it's proudly on
display below . You supported us on
numerous visits to your great state and
you treated us like family . We could
not do what we do without the great
support of the people And I can't think
of a better state to represent than
Montana . I hope we do . You proud
Montana though . Wouldn't be the home
it is to us without the unwavering
support of the Montana committee . So
Bill wits it and um ,
and Craig Anderson and the entire
committee . I can't thank you enough .
I've said it to many people throughout
this week , but I've served on several
submarines and I can tell you without a
doubt this is the most impressive
committee that I've had the privilege
of working with and being a part of ,
of , of , of building a relationship
with on board . I know our great
relationship will continue because of
folks like Bill back in Montana and I
look forward to our continued outreach
within Montana .
Okay . Our sponsor ,
Miss Sally jewel and her Maid of honor ,
Mariah Gladstone . The energy and
Spirit you've brought to Montana from
the very beginning has been nothing
short of amazing . The example that you
said each day drives us to better
ourselves and work to better the lives
of others . We are proud to have you as
our sponsor and we cherish having you
here today to celebrate this great
milestone .
Finally , to the close friends and
family of our crew , we couldn't do our
duty without you . You've endured
hardships if you can imagine from long
periods of shift work without your
sailor to unpredictable schedules and
long under ways without us at home .
You keep everything here in order and
allow us to rest easy knowing that
you've got it . Thank you just isn't
enough to uh , for your sacrifices your
continuous support and your unwavering
love that keeps us going to our
ombudsman Melanie Banks , thank you for
looking out for us and our families and
selflessly giving your time expertise
and kindness to all the Montana
families
As you've heard the first U . S . S .
Montana served your country proudly and
now it's our turn to carry on the great
name of Montana . The warship in front
of you today represents the strength
and power that resides throughout our
nation . She's an amazing technical
technological accomplishment capable of
taking the fight to the enemy
constructed with unmatched power and
capability . She can sustain battle
damage and keep fighting . She is truly
nothing less than amazing . Now , crew
of the USs Montana , It's our duty and
responsibility to answer our nation's
call anytime anywhere and I can assure
you we are ready . I know I speak for
the entire crew when I say thank you
all for joining us in this very special
occasion . God bless U . S . S .
Montana , our great submarine force ,
Navy and nation Montana
attention
vigilantes !
Will the guests please rise , Chaplin
Quinn will deliver the benediction
followed by the traditional native
american blessing by elder jean .
Several of the confederated Salish and
kootenai tribes , please join me once
again in prayer . Now Almighty
God send us forth into your world in
peace granted each of us good courage ,
help us to cleave to all That is good
May . Your blessing rest upon the U . S .
S . Montana upon the officers , chief
petty officers and crew who sail in her .
Although the families who sustained
them from the shore to send them forth
in faith and await their return with
hope and love . Though her capabilities
are fearsome of God . Keep us mindful
of her best use as an instrument of
peace and should the time for war come ,
help her to fight fiercely to return
safely and to serve honorably for all
the years . You've so ordained , keep
this nation in your way and in your
favor . Can we pray in your name ?
Amen .
Mhm lam lam
the salton to give an honor to allow me
this opportunity and so with the honors
that we have . I taken reflect back on
last night when we offered a peace pipe
at that time we had
with it the traditional smoke that goes
into it , there will not be used . So
traditionally we use a smudge to go
forth and to bless the ship .
But today I am using our
tobaccos that was given to us by our
elders and we could preserve that . So
I'm gonna take and Sprinkle on the ship
the tobacco that is used for the
piece by it . We call it a sacred pipe .
That sacred pipe will carry this ship
the great duties . Mhm .
Yes quack school Children lamb lamb
space er grandfather , I face the north
and I taking place our tobacco and our
leaves for you to the north to our
relatives . What brings the cold the
winters a time for stories for us
tribal members to tell each other of
great deeds and honors as stories of
their ancestors
to the east Grandfather I give our
connect , connect our sweetgrass and
our sage grandfather from
there were taken rise each morning and
give you thanks and ask for great deeds
to allow us this opportunity this day
and I give it to each of these
gentlemen , young gentlemen here I see
on their faces I ask that you bless
them and father creator
to the south where you bring the warm
winds and the warm growing seasons that
allow us to take and grow and harvest
these sage sweetgrass .
Our relatives to the west .
I offer you please
great gifts that you have given us so
that we may end the night in your name
and say that we have done great this
day for this . I pray to your
grandfather Creator that we have each
day that we can go to sleep and wake up
and knowing that we have done the best
that we could
lam lam school . Thank you creator
in um a quem louis quest
with with knowledge is my indian
name .
As I pray , I want to give a water
blessing that the native people , water
is life and you have to recognize that
water is our life . It gives us many
things . We have food , we have shelter ,
we have claims in our body and we
asked that the Creator bless us to
stay water .
I'll give you thanks for allowing us to
become part of your life because the
water is life and our boat as
part of that water . Thank e
vote You set ,
I explained . So we can paddle our
boat . Water that has so much
life . We pray that we may become part
of you . The U . S . S .
Montana . I pray that you become one
with the water work together for
protection of our homelands , cool and
Sutton . We pray for protection and
safe travels of her mother ship Uss
Montana .
Our prayers include all those brave
sailors who board serve and command
this boat as she travels all waters of
the earth you have created . May you
send your animal spirits to protect her ?
We pray that you would , that as she
enters hostile waters , that you send
your blessings and protection of this
vessel and their soldiers , their
sailors from harm and to be seen
as a symbol of peace for the world and
the United States . God
bless the U . S . S . Montana ,
the United States of America Lamb lamb
school and Tootin scr