Today, Jim Fordice, President of the Navy League New Mexico Council, issued this statement, "I am very pleased to announce that our council has been designated as an "Outstanding Council for 2011" by the Navy League of the United States. Only 10 councils out of more than 250 are designated as Outstanding. In the last four years our New Mexico Council has been designated as Outstanding three times and once was designated as an Honorable Mention. Thanks to all who participated for the hard work and dedication that you have brought to supporting the Sea Services in New Mexico."

Other NLUS Council receiving this award include Atlanta Metropolitan, Camden-Kings Bay, Colorado Springs, Hampton Roads, Imperial Valley, Long Island, National Capital, Pensacola and San Diego.

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USS New Mexico Dives into Military & Veterans Day at the Legislature

February 13, 2012

Photos courtesy of Rick Carver

On February 6th, in the State Capitol Rotunda, the USS New Mexico Committee joined other veterans and military support organizations in Vet Day festivities. This annual legislative event was jointly sponsored by the NM Dept. of Military Affairs (DMA) and the NM Dept. of Veterans’ Services (DVS).

Manning our exhibit were committee members Damon Runyan, Rick Carver and Dick Brown. The program included addresses by Governor Susana Martinez, MG Kenny Montoya of DMA and Col. Tim Hale of DVS. The Governor honored Navajo Code Talker Chester Nez, 91, last of the original 29 who developed the secret code.

Vet Day at the State Legislature allowed for some great exposure for Navy League and our three namesake submarines, plus some very good interactions with Governor Martinez, Adjutant General Montoya, Senator/RADM Bill Payne, NM State Police Chief Robert Shilling and many others.

After her address, Brown presented the Governor with one of the committee’s new USS New Mexico coffee mugs, on behalf of the submarine’s officers and crew.

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USS New Mexico Carries 1,000 Centennial First Day Covers Under the Sea

Navy.mil

February 9, 2012

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Stamp collectors looking for a unique addition to their collections will be interested in obtaining just one of 1,000 New Mexico centennial first-day covers, or cachets, recently carried under the sea aboard USS New Mexico (SSN 779).

The first-day covers, or cachets, were brought back to land when USS New Mexico returned to port Feb. 7. A cover, or cachet, is a printed envelope commemorating a special event such as a submarine keel-laying, christening, launching or commissioning. In this special case, with the postal service's New Mexico Centennial stamp affixed on the cachets, they become essentially "submarine mail."

Cmdr. George Perez, USS New Mexico's commanding officer, added that the cachets were carried under the sea as another way to celebrate the state's recent centennial Jan. 6, 2012.

"Taking these first-day covers to sea was an innovative idea, which allowed the crew to contribute to New Mexico's centennial celebration," said Perez. "In fact, each of these first-day covers has been 'certified to test depth' on board USS New Mexico and they will truly be unique collector's items for the people that support this boat and crew so well."

In order to get the cachets sent to the USS New Mexico, the New Mexico Committee worked with the Santa Fe main post office to affix 1,000 stamps to envelopes and shipped them to the submarine prior to their underway.

"These submarine covers are souvenirs and do not actually get mailed. We see this project as another way to involve USS New Mexico in our state's centennial celebrations," said Dick Brown, chairman, USS New Mexico Committee, who added that it was the first time the Santa Fe post office assisted with mail carried under the sea.

Brown added that the commanding officer of USS New Mexico signed each envelope certifying that it was carried beneath the sea, thus becoming "submarine mail."

Brown, a collector of submarine stamps, has over 400 stamps in his prized collection and thought of the idea for USS New Mexico to carry the special centennial covers.

"While 43 nations are operating submarines today, more than twice that number has issued submarine stamps honoring naval submarines, deep-sea research vessels and Jules Verne's fictional submarine Nautilus. To me, they are all very special," said Brown.

Brown has an impressive submarine stamp collection, many dating as far back as seven decades.

"As a submarine stamp collector, I was also inspired by the world's first 'submarine mail,' carried aboard the Spanish submarine C4 in August 1938 during the Spanish Civil War," said Brown.

Brown added that the submarine C4 patrolled the area between the republican cities of Barcelona and Cartagena, and it carried mail between the Spanish mainland and the Island of Minorca.

"That 'submarine mail' actually included submarine stamps which today are extremely rare, and I am most fortunate to have them in my submarine stamp collection," said Brown.

In addition to carrying submarine stamps, the entire crew helped their namesake state celebrate its centennial by sending a video message greeting prior to the state's centennial in early January.

USS New Mexico is named in recognition of the people of the "Land of Enchantment," and is the sixth ship of the Virginia class.

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Service Chiefs Deepen Ties During Fellowship 2012 Exercise

Navy.mil

January 30, 2012

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter D. Lawlor, Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Chief of naval operations (CNO) and first sea lord and royal navy chief of naval staff went underway together Jan. 26-27, to watch their respective navies' newest fast-attack submarines try to out-flank, out-maneuver and out-wit each other during the Fellowship 2012 exercise.

CNO Adm. Jonathan Greenert and Adm. Sir Mark Stanhope hit the deckplates on board the first-in-class HMS Astute (SSN-20) followed by the Virginia-class USS New Mexico (SSN-779) to tour the spaces and meet with each boat's officers and crew.

As submariners themselves, both top naval officers took a keen interest in meeting fellow submariners and seeing how the silent service has evolved. They saw the technological advances of today's submarine fleet compared to the boats under their command years ago.

This historic first undersea meeting of the leaders of the world's most powerful navies provided a unique opportunity for Greenert and Stanhope to see the future of undersea superiority in real time.

"The Fellowship exercise is our opportunity to take some of our best warships, the Astute-class and our Virginia-class submarines, and in an open setting and in a free-play exercise; test them out, test our tactics, our techniques and our procedures," said Greenert.

Several cat-and-mouse war game scenarios were played out during the exercise allowing New Mexico and Astute submariner's skills to come to fruition as both crews swapped from hunter to hunted enabling them to test the full capabilities of their boat.

Greenert said that he could think of no greater adversary to spar with to truly test each platform.

"With the Royal Navy getting together with the U.S. Navy you have the best out there operating together with cutting edge technology and cutting edge tactics, and that's important for each of us to see what we have and see what we're made of, and I would never miss this opportunity, not while I'm CNO," Greenert said.

Stanhope concurred with Greenert and pointed out that each nation's naval service chief deemed the exercise important enough for them to physically be in attendance, emphasizing the support each had for their submarine programs and in each other as allies.

"I think what's important here is to recognize the importance of what we're achieving," Stanhope said. "Here we are on the AUTEC (Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center) range with the best that the United Kingdom can deliver to the future in submarining terms and the best that the U.S. can deliver to the future in submarining terms, both recognizing we need to continue to advance to keep up with the challenges the future will undoubtedly bring to us. By doing so we undoubtedly demonstrate the huge and deeply significant links that we have."

Stanhope said the strategic partnership between the U.S. and the United Kingdom is more than a simple alliance. He said the sharing of training resources and responsibilities in the form of each nation's newest fleet submarines shows a deep sense of confidence and trust.

Astute's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Sir Iain Breckenridge, said that he was honored to host both service chiefs during the Fellowship exercise and equally proud to showcase the performance of his boat and crew.

Breckenridge continued that the principle reason for running the exercise is because Astute is a brand new class of boat and she still needs to be operationally tested and proven.

"The HMS Astute is still very much in trials," Breckenridge said. "To have the chance to go up against what is a very capable and very proven submarine, the Virginia-class, USS New Mexico has been really good fun.

"The great thing about the fellowship exercise is the CNO and my First Sea Lord are going to the New Mexico to pretty much watch the same sort of runs in close proximity action that they saw my team operate here," Breckenridge said. "That's one of the key things about Fellowship is that the heads of service get a view of what they've seen in one boat, they then go see in the next boat and can make a direct comparison."

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New Mexico Tests Its Capabilities During Fellowship 2012

Navy News

January 31, 2012

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter D. Lawlor

ATLANTIC OCEAN — The crew of the Virginia-class USS New Mexico (SSN 779) joined the Royal Navy’s newest Astute-class, fast-attack submarine HMS Astute (SSN-20) for the Fellowship 2012 exercise where the boats tried to out-flank, out-maneuver and out-wit each other.

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert and First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff of the Royal Navy Adm. Sir Mark Stanhope, both with careers that originated in the submarine community, were welcomed by their submariner brethren who reveled at the opportunity to impress the service chiefs with their operational capabilities and four-star hospitality, all while engaging the Royal Navy’s newest Astute-class, fast-attack submarine HMS Astute (SSN-20) as part of the Fellowship 2012 exercise.

New Mexico’s Commanding Officer Cmdr. George Perez said he and his crew were honored to host the two highest distinguished naval officers and submariners in the U.S. and British fleets. Perez also said from a training standpoint, he appreciated the chance to tactically compete with such an accomplished and advanced Astute boat and crew.

“This is a great opportunity for the crew, for the Virginia-class program, the U.S. Navy, and submarine force to have this opportunity to take this boat out against what we in the submarine community consider is the best competition out there,” Perez said. “The crew has enjoyed every minute of it.”

Perez said he hopes to do more exercises like Fellowship in the future because the value added by performing real time tracking, deterrence and attack scenarios cannot be replicated to the same level of authenticity by other forms of training.

Ensign Steven Connell was the junior officer of the watch for section one aboard New Mexico during the exercise. Connell said the exercise provided him and his shipmates with a better appreciation of what they and their boat can do.

“It let us see our capabilities versus their capabilities and it’s a very close match between the two countries,” Connell said.

Sonar Technician (Submarine) 3rd Class Michael Deline, assigned to New Mexico’s sonar division, said his division was responsible for finding, mapping and tracking the Astute. Deline said he was extremely satisfied with the performance of New Mexico in her first international operation.

“The Navy puts in so much research and development into its submarines,” Deline said. “And with this submarine, most of us from my division have been here since the beginning, so we’ve watched the progress of a Virginia-class submarine from the ground up.”

“Having the First Sea Lord and CNO onboard you could feel the energy on this boat,” Connell said. “Everyone was real excited about this exercise, morale was high, and it was just overall a really good thing for both countries.”

Connell said he was not surprised that the CNO and First Sea Lord attended the exercise. “What better time to visit?” Connell said. “These are two of the greatest warships in the world right now and we’re both going head to head. What better time and place than right now to tour these boats and see them first hand?”

Both Greenert and Stanhope said their presence aboard New Mexico and Astute during the exercise was a unilateral showing of support and trust between the two long-standing allies as well as a poignant emphasis on the importance of the continued development of the submarine program.

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USS Santa Fe Receives Battle Efficiency Award

January 19, 2012

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ronald Gutridge

120119-N-UK333-001- JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii - (Jan. 19, 2012) - Capt.James Pitts, Commander Submarine Squadron 7 (CSS-7), presents the2011 CSS-7 Battle Efficiency (Battle "E") award to CommandingOfficer, Cmdr. David Adams, Executive Officer, Lt. Cmdr. StevenFaulk and Chief of the Boat, Command Master Chief (SS) Ronald Brooks of the LosAngeles-class submarine USS Santa Fe (SSN 763) at the submarinepiers on board Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Jan.19. TheBattle"E" is an award of merit presented to the most proficient ship ineach squadron and recognizes sustained superior technicalperformance and continual combat readiness throughout the year.(U.S.Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class RonaldGutridge / Released).

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The USS New Mexico Committee designed and produced a special cachet cover and pictoral postmark for New Mexico's 100th birthday. The design, by committee member Angie McKinstry, features a photo of the submarine underway and the commemorative postage stamp issued by the US Postal Service (USPS) on January 6, 2012 marking the state’s Centennial. It also features an insert with information about the Navy’s 6th Virginia-class submarine and a special USPS-approved cancellation postmark designed by Angie.

While a thousand cachet envelopes and inserts were printed, they do not actually get mailed; they are souvenirs or collectibles.

This project has been made possible by USPS District Retail Manager Brian McCoy of Phoenix and Postmaster Yasmin Montano of Santa Fe. Brian worked right along side committee members Jeff Albright, Rick Carver, Leo and Edris Davis, and Dick Brown. In appreciation for their support, they gave Brian and Yasmin USS New Mexico admiral ball-caps. The work party spent several hours at the Santa Fe main post office affixing Centennial stamps to the envelopes and canceling them with the “USS New Mexico Station” postmark. But that is only the first stage of this special submarine mail project.

The second stage takes place aboard the boat where the Commanding Officer, CDR George Perez, signs each cover, thereby certifying that each has been carried beneath the sea aboard NEW MEXICO.

On Statehood Day (January 6th) the special commemorative covers were overnighted to the Chief of the Boat, ETCS Eric Murphy so that they can go to sea and become "submarine mail". The committee is very happy to have pulled this time-critical process off just in time for the boat's next underway.

The plan is for the crew to keep 150 covers as souvenirs of the New Mexico Centennial and for the rest to be shipped back to the committee. Then one will be given to each member of the New Mexico State Legislature and the Governor's office, and the rest will be sold with all proceeds going towards support of the officers and crew of NEW MEXICO. USPS thinks these submarine covers will be highly sought after by collectors.

This "submarine mail" project is yet another way to involve USS NEW MEXICO in the state's centennial celebrations while also raising awareness among New Mexicans of our state namesake submarine.

Photos courtesy of Rick Carver.

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Navy Week Thank You Letter

January 10, 2012

By NLUS (Navy League of the United States)

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USS NEW MEXICO Update from CDR George Perez

January 7, 2012

By NLUS (Navy League of the United States)

NEW MEXICO Friends, Families and Supporters,

It has been a little over four months since my last update on the status of NEW MEXICO and her crew. Since that update, NEW MEXICO conducted extensive operations at sea in the final months of 2011. During all of it, NEW MEXICO and her crew performed superbly. Our extended underway started with an assessment by Submarine Squadron FOUR of the crew's basic submarine skills. With only ten days of underway time under our belts at that time, NEW MEXICO successfully passed this initial milestone before heading south for extensive testing and evaluation. The first phase of this period centered around the evaluation and modification of NEW MEXICO's magnetic signature. Several days of inport testing at Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay, GA, coupled with several days of operations off the coast of Florida, certified the ship's magnetic signature for operations at sea. During the course of these operations, the ship found itself operating in both shallow water and in a high contact density environment. Both of these elements are extremely challenging for even the most proficient and experienced submariners. Needless to say, the crew rose to the challenge and performed admirably!

The second phase of our operations took us to Port Canaveral, FL where we spent a little over a week grooming all of our tactical systems in preparation for at-sea testing conducting what the Submarine Force calls Weapons Systems Accuracy Trials (WSAT) - essentially a final evaluation and certification of NEW MEXICO's tactical systems. Again, the crew impressed everyone involved, working faster and more efficiently than any crew undergoing similar operations in recent history. While in Port Canaveral, we were fortunate to host two incredibly rewarding VIP cruises. The first involved embarking several veterans of the first NEW MEXICO, BB-40 as well as several members of the New Mexico Committee. We were hoping to also embark Governor Susana Martinez of New Mexico, but unfortunately her schedule precluded her participation. The second VIP cruise embarked key Congressional Staff members and RDML Richard P. Breckenridge, Commander, Submarine Group TWO. Of note, this was the Admiral's first submarine ride following his recent change of command and it was fitting that NEW MEXICO had the opportunity to host the event. The at-sea portion of WSAT was successfully conducted at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC) in the vicinity of Andros Island, Bahamas. This phase culminated in our successful exercise firings against our sister ship USS CALIFORNIA and allowed NEW MEXICO to transition from Basic Submarine Training to Ready for Tasking status.

Following our WSAT operations, a brief return to Kings Bay, GA allowed NEW MEXICO to prepare for the third and final portion of our operations - Submarine Command Course 30. Loading 20 exercise weapons and seven Prospective Commanding and Executive Officers, NEW MEXICO conducted three weeks of intensive operations including simulated combat operations against a myriad of U.S. Navy surface warships as well as head-to-head exercise firings against the submarines USS SCRANTON and USS ALEXANDRIA. The crew received outstanding training and experience during these operations and the event provided us an excellent opportunity to observe firsthand just how capable NEW MEXICO truly is in combat-like conditions.

NEW MEXICO returned to Groton, CT just in time to enjoy Thanksgiving with friends and families, completing 90 days of operations away from homeport. As exciting and challenging as the time away from homeport was for the ship, it was no less challenging for the families who remained behind, many experiencing for the first time extended separation from their sailors. In addition to the separation, Hurricane Irene's landfall in CT in late August and a record snowfall in October both caused severe, week-long power outages which made life extremely difficult for those at home. Needless to say, NEW MEXICO's families inspired us all by pulling together and successfully enduring these trying events in our absence.

NEW MEXICO finished off a very successful year with the completion of a Material Inspection by the Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) in mid-December. I'm happy to report that NEW MEXICO received superb marks in all 21 evaluated areas. Following the inspection, the crew was able to take some much needed time off over the holiday season but still found time to decorate the ship with 1800 red and green chili Christmas lights and to send a video-taped celebration message to our namesake state for the 100th Centennial. Now, we are preparing for an extremely busy 2012. In the next 90 days, NEW MEXICO will undergo three major inspections, an extensive maintenance availability period, and additional testing and evaluations. I have every confidence the ship and the crew will continue to make you all incredibly proud.

Finally, I would like to take a moment to personally thank Mrs. Laura Amick for her dedication and sacrifice over the last 15 months as NEW MEXICO's OMBUDSMAN. Her efforts in assisting NEW MEXICO's families were instrumental in the successes enjoyed by the ship and crew and could not have been achieved without her. You have earned a much need rest as our new OMBUDSMAN, Mrs. Marlaina Malone, is now carrying the torch. Thank you Laura.

Warmest Regards,

CDR George Perez
Commanding Officer
USS NEW MEXICO (SSN 779)

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All 127 members of the crew of the Virginia-class submarine USS New Mexico (SSN 779) extended their birthday wishes on video, December 27th, to the state of New Mexico. It was the crew’s way of congratulating New Mexico on 100 years of statehood.

The submarine’s Commanding Officer, CDR George Perez, based at New London, Connecticut and the Navy League’s New Mexico Committee based in Albuquerque, New Mexico came up with the idea for the video greeting as a way to recognize the strong ties between our undersea warriors and the citizens of New Mexico.

While the submarine is not able to journey up the Rio Grande for port calls in Las Cruces, Albuquerque or Espanola to celebrate New Mexico’s 100th birthday, the 12-second video greeting is timed to help kick off the state’s Centennial which officially begins on January 6, 2012.

The USS New Mexico Committee is the home support team for the officers and crew of this newest of Navy nuclear-powered submarines. It has a long history of assisting the crew. Committee Chairman Dick Brown, a Cold War submarine veteran, says “We have helped the crew instill a New Mexico theme throughout their onboard living quarters by supplying Southwest-style bunk and passageway curtains, large panoramic photographs of New Mexico landscapes and hot air balloons, and 1,800 red and green chile pepper holiday lights.” Such enhancements to the submarine’s interior décor help honor the state’s proud culture, heritage and history.

The short video message was created by LCDR Jennifer Cragg, Public Affairs Officer, Commander Submarine Group Two, Naval Submarine Base New London, CT.

For more information about USS New Mexico, go to www.ussnewmexico.net and for more information about the Navy League’s New Mexico Council, go to www.nmnavyleague.com.

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Albuquerque Charter School, Bataan Military Academy wins National Sea Cadet Awards at the Navy League National Convention held in Chattanooga, TN; And Navy League New Mexico Council Receives "Honorable Mention"

By NLUS (Navy League of the United States)

Date: November 2011

The Navy League New Mexico Council was presented with an “Honorable Mention” for national council awards 2011.

National Sea Cadet Awards Go To Albuquerque’s Bataan Military Academy

Top Unit in Region 15 – Awarded to the Bataan Battalion, Albuquerque, New Mexico, unit CO LCDR Wanda Sartain. Region 15 comprises the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.

Anthony Murray Sr. Seaman Award was presented to Bataan Battalion. This award is presented to the NSCC unit exhibiting the most cadets advanced to NSCC E-3 grade during the training year.

Chairman’s Award for Recruiting and Retention - 1st place was presented to the Bataan Battalion. This Award goes to those NSCC units who achieve excellence in recruiting and retention.

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NEW MEXICO Crew Participates in 2011 Navy Week

By NLUS (Navy League of the United States)

Photos courtesy of MC1 Pat Migliaccio and MC1 Mark O'Donald, US Navy, except as noted

Three members of the USS NEW MEXICO crew visited Albuquerque for a week (10/2-10/9) as the community celebrated Albuquerque's 3rd Navy Week and 40th Balloon Fiesta. Our visiting sailors included MMCM(SS) Joaquin Arroyo and MM1(SS) Attila Halacsy of the boat's engineering department and CS2(SS) Geoffrey Obermaier of the crew's mess.

Navy Week showcases the investment Americans have made in their Navy as a global force and increases awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence. Albuquerque Navy Week featured local reservists, senior Navy officials, Destroyers Navy Band, mobile flight simulator and Navy SEAL Leap Frogs Team. The Navy's senior active duty representative from the Pentagon for Albuquerque Navy Week was RADM Mike Broadway, Special Assistant to the Deputy CNO, OPNAV N2N6, for Information Dominance. Also participating in Navy Week was Senior Executive Service representative Carla Lucchino, Assistant for Administration to SECNAV, the highest ranking civilian in the Navy. Throughout Navy week, there was good coverage by the Navy news media.

Our NEW MEXICO sailors attended a balloon glow and fireworks show at Balloon Fiesta Park on their first evening in town.

At Joy Junction, a home for homeless families, our sailors helped serve dinner to nearly 300 residents, participated in a NOSC video tape session and conducted a Q&A session with Sea Cadets at the Bataan Military Academy.

At the Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum they listened to a presentation by Smithsonian Senior Curator, participated in a Chile-cookoff that was taped by KASA Fox TV, and observed Joy Junction kids web-chatting with LT Patrick Gutierrez in San Diego (HSL-49). CS2 Obermaier was a judge for the NOSC vs Recruiters cook-off.

Dick Brown and Damon Runyan, representing the USS New Mexico Committee, briefed Governor Susana Martinez on our namesake submarine and the support it provides to the crew. Joining them at the State Capitol building in Santa Fe were the three namesake sailors and two NAVCO personnel, LT Jessica Berry and MC1 Mark O'Donald (Navy photographer), plus Rick Carver (committee photographer). The group met in the Governor's private office, in an informal setting, for 40 minutes. The Governor was sincerely interested in the boat and absolutely amazed at all the great things the committee is doing for it. Master Chief Arroyo presented the Governor with a USS New Mexico Admiral hat and Damon presented her with christening and commissioning books.

Other activities included El Pinto dinner with the committee at El Pinto Restaurant and Cantina, participation in Albuquerque Hispano Chamber's Fall Mercado, a crew appreciation party at the home of Tom and Mary McConnell, and the New Mexico Council-hosted Navy Birthday Ball.

The NEW MEXICO crew joined RADM Broadway in Kaps for Kids at UNM Children's Hospital and at Presbyterian Hospital Children's Center and in a meeting with Mayor Richard Berry where the mayor presented a Navy Week Proclamation.

During a Saturday mass ascension, MMCM Arroyo rode with Tom McConnell Jr in the Zia balloon while CS2 Obermaier rode with George Hahn. But first in the air was RADM Broadway in BG Mike Rice's Fiesta balloon.

And so ended another highly successful visit by the crew of USS NEW MEXICO.

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Committee Creates New Mexico Theme Aboard Submarine

By NLUS (Navy League of the United States)

Photos courtesy of Rick Carver

For the past several years, the Navy League's USS New Mexico Committee has been working on creating a New Mexico theme in the décor of the living quarters aboard the state's namesake submarine.

The work started when the CO of PCU NEW MEXICO, CDR Rob Dain, himself a native of New Mexico, and several crew members visited with Ray Sanchez of R&R Trim in downtown Albuquerque. They selected three different Southwest fabrics to replace the standard shipyard-provided blue bunk curtains in crew's quarters, chiefs quarters and officers quarters. The fabric was tested to ensure it met milspecs; Ray procured the exact hardware the shipyard uses for track-mounting and subcontracted the manufacture of the curtains to Simply Windows in Las Cruces. They were delivered and installed in time for commissioning.

USS NEW MEXICO's second CO, CDR Mark Prokopius, accompanied by some crew members on a subsequent visit to the state, returned to R&R Trim and selected a different Southwest design for 11 passageway curtains. These were also manufactured by Simply Windows in Las Cruces, then shipped to the boat for installation by the crew.

The committee's work in instilling a New Mexico look aboard NEW MEXICO did not stop with bunk and passageway curtains. The sub's third and current CO, CDR George Perez, also embraced the New Mexico décor and asked the committee to turn its attention to the crew's mess.

A dozen or so NEW MEXICO sailors have attended the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta during the past three years and after sharing their flight experiences, the crew requested that balloon photographs be a part of the new crew's mess décor.

The crew had already dubbed its dining facility as "La Posta Abajo del Mar" (La Posta Beneath the Sea) after the popular restaurant in Mesilla, NM where the sub's culinary specialists had been trained in New Mexico cuisine. In fact, every other Tuesday is "Taco Tuesday". The crew loves to visit the owners Tom and Jerean Hutchinson whenever they are in southern New Mexico. The Hutchinsons have been great supporters of USS NEW MEXICO.

The CO directed his Supply Officer, ENS Justin Will, Chief of the Boat ETCS(SS) Eric Murphy and CSC(SS) Ron Sturtz, to work with the committee on decorating 15 double-door lockers on the port side of the crew's mess with Balloon Fiesta photographs and panoramic New Mexico landscapes. With the support of the FASTSIGNS shop in northeast Albuquerque, vinyl reproductions of colorful images from six professional photographers were selected. The adhesive panels were overlaid on the wood-grain formica doors by the crew.

The photographers, Cindy Petrehn, Ron Behrmann, Raymond Watt and Kim Vesely, graciously gave their permission to have select Balloon Fiesta images used onboard the submarine. It is not yet known if the submarine has benefited from the added buoyancy of hundreds of inflated hot air balloons but certainly the spirits of the crew have been buoyed by the undersea mass ascension. New Mexico landscape images were provided by Bryan Holliday and Andy Cook.

CDR Perez not only embraced the New Mexico theme in the crew's mess, but also the legacy of the battleship NEW MEXICO. Consequently, ENS Will and Chief Sturtz had something very special in mind for dressing up the five tables in the crew's mess. They asked the committee to come up with new tabletops in the design of the New Mexico state flag, that is, red Zia sun symbols on yellow backgrounds. Four of the five tables, 2 by 6 feet, were also to include the 10 ratings of the enlisted members of the crew and the fifth smaller table, 2 by 4 feet, was to be a special tribute to the Queen, Battleship NEW MEXICO. The locker door nearest this table exhibited a colorful US Navy photograph of the battleship at sea. With this plan, the committee again turned to FASTSIGNS for graphic design and production.

The centerpiece for the graphic design of the BB-40 tabletop is a charcoal rendering of NEW MEXICO's 14-inch guns by the late Albert John Pucci. The original work was commissioned by Automatic Switch Company when the ship was under construction. The committee worked with Pucci Estate representative Steve McErlain who secured permission to use the image in the crew's mess project. Albert Pucci's wife, Gora, was delighted to have the rendering onboard NEW MEXICO and could not think of a better tribute to her late husband and the old battleship.

With the help of the Naval History & Heritage Command and BB-40 veterans George Herder and George Smith, the committee verified the names of the BB-40 sailors killed during the two kamikaze attacks on the battleship. This BB-40 Honor Roll lists 30 men killed on New Mexico Statehood Day, January 6, 1945, during Philippines campaign and the 56 men killed on May 12, 1945 during the Okinawa Campaign. As it turns out, George Herder was on the bridge when his CO was killed during the kamikase attack. The crew did a beautiful job installing the new tabletops this past summer.

The CO has now asked the committee to turn its attention to his wardroom which is becoming a mini-museum for small BB-40 artifacts.

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Dolphins Escort NEW MEXICO to Deep Water

By NLUS (Navy League of the United States)

Photos courtesy of Rick Carver

On Sunday, September 18, 2011, USS NEW MEXICO (SSN-779) hosted its second VIP cruise. Embarkees arrived at the Naval Ordnance Test Unit pier at Port Canaveral, FL just before sunrise to watch the boat come in, turn around and moor aft of USS CALIFORNIA (SSN-781). As soon as the brow was put in place, Mark & Deborah Schaefer, Pat & Kerrie Sena, Emilee Sena, Rick Carver, Julia Plotnikov, Tom & Jerean Hutchinson, Amy Pearson, Richard Simpson, Michael Richins, Greg Trapp, Richard Madison and Dick Brown boarded the boat.

NEW MEXICO was escorted to deep water by six dolphins frolicking in her bow wave. The weather was perfect and everyone but Greg had an opportunity to climb up to the bridge. The Navy thinks Greg may be the first blind person to go to sea in a nuclear submarine. The surface transit to the designated dive box lasted about three hours. The boat then dove and for the next four hours the crew demonstrated what the boat can do, putting her through various maneuvers, and at one point reaching a depth of 600 feet and at another point achieving 25-degree pitch angles.

Embarkees spent considerable time in the control room, observing the crew at their radar, sonar, weapons control, communications, navigation, photonics and ship control stations.

Tom & Jerean Hutchinson delivered a beautiful wooden La Posta sign that instantly found its place on the galley door. A great lunch featuring New Mexican cuisine was served in the wardroom. Guided tours showed most working and living spaces forward of the reactor compartment. The crew is very proud of the New Mexico theme that the committee has created in the crews mess and berthing areas. During a tour of the torpedo room, Emilee had the honor of firing a water slug (torpedo firing simulation). The XO read the Governor's Proclamation over the 1MC during our return to port.

The Captain invited Emilee to the bridge for the last hour of the underway as the boat kept its distance from three outbound cruise ships. NEW MEXICO returned to port at sundown.

Rick Carver, the trip's designated official photographer, made sure that the embarkees had an excellent photographic record of the trip. He also captured all the New Mexico decor enhancements the committee has been working on this year.

The crew was fantastic. These submariners are young professionals, very knowledgeable about their boat and their shipboard duties. It was quite apparent that the CO is very proud of his sailors.

The next day, the crew hosted a picnic near the pier, and the CO provided boat tours for George Smith, Bob Goodwin and LaVell Richins, WWII veterans who served aboard battleship NEW MEXICO. It was an awesome sight to see two Virginia-class submarines moored at Port Canaveral. And it was fascinating to watch sea turtles and manatees swimming around hull.

NEW MEXICO is scheduled to serve as a training submarine for prospective COs and XOs over the next few months. After some final operational testing and certifications early next year, the boat expects to become a surge-deployable asset for our Navy and our Nation.

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USS New Mexico Sailors Participate in Albuquerque Navy Week

Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mark O’Donald

Santa Fe, N.M. (Oct. 4, 2011) Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Attila Halacsy, Master Chief Machinist’s Mate Joaquin Arroyo and Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Geoffrey Obermaier assigned to the Virginia-class submarine USS New Mexico (SSN 779) stand in the rotunda of the New Mexico State House during Albuquerque Navy Week 2011. Navy Weeks are designed to showcase the investment Americans have made in their Navy as a global force for good and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence.

Santa Fe, N.M. (Oct. 4, 2011) Governor of New Mexico, Susana Martinez is presented a ships hat by Master Chief Machinist’s Mate, Joaquin Arroyo, assigned to the Virginia-class submarine USS New Mexico (SSN 779) in the Governor’s Chamber at the New Mexico State House during Albuquerque Navy Week 2011.

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Governor Martinez issues proclamation making September 19, 2011

"USS New Mexico Day"

By NLUS (Navy League of the United States)

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ABQ teen wins national Civil Air Patrol contest

By Joe Bartels, KOB Eyewitness News 4

An Albuquerque teen has won a national contest sponsored by the Civil Air Patrol to come up with a slogan to keep kids off drugs.

There's not many of us who can say we knew what we wanted to be when we were 13, but Spencer Graham says he's known all along he wanted to be a fighter pilot.

He's created a new slogan that he hopes will encourage thousands of kids to follow their dreams and stay off drugs.

Spencer isn't like most teens. The Bataan Military Academy freshman is only 13 and already has more flight experience than most people will have in a lifetime.

"When I was little, little, I liked planes, whenever I heard planes I would looked outside and be like... Ah I want to be in there," explained Graham.

Graham followed his dream and joined the Civil Air Patrol; he's even flown a Cessna from Belen to Albuquerque alongside an experienced pilot.

While in the Air Patrol, he entered a nationwide contest to create a slogan that would help kids realize their dreams and stay off drugs.

"At first it was follow THE dream, and stay clean, but then I decided I want to make it feel like it was somebody's dream," said Graham.

Graham narrowed down his list and came up with: "Follow your dream and stay clean."

The slogan was picked at the national competition, beating 74 other entries and will soon be seen by thousands of kids in PSA's, literature and merchandise.

"I hope they take it into consideration even if they are not doing drugs or anything like that and it helps them to get strong," said Graham.

Graham says he hopes that his message may serve as an example and provide inspiration and motivation for kids who may throw away their dreams by using drugs.

"I want people to be able to live their dream and be successful," he says.

Spencer hopes to someday fly F-16's for the military.

His slogan should start appearing later this month.

View the full KOB video here.

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Navy League New Mexico Council awarded Honorable mention for overall council performance

By NLUS (Navy League of the United States)

Congratulations to the Region’s winners of Navy League National Awards:

The Colorado Springs Council has been awarded the Mackie Award (Second place for small Council) for newsletter production.

The New Mexico Council has been awarded Honorable Mention for overall Council performance from this year’s Awards Committee.

The Award Plaques will be presented at the National Convention in Chattanooga.

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KOB Interview with USS New Mexico Committee Chairman Dick Brown

By NLUS (Navy League of the United States)

Thanks to KOB-TV, the Navy League and its USS New Mexico Committee received some very nice exposure on its support of our namesake submarine. Christina Westbrook, Executive Producer for KOB's "Good Day New Mexico" program, invited committee chairman Dick Brown to record a show segment in their studio at Broadcast Plaza. Armed with two posters and ten photos, Dick was interviewed by show host Terrie Q. Sayre on August 17th. The segment aired a week later and is available for viewing below.

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Changing of the Guard

By CDR Mike Beno /Manzano High School NJROTC

Reprinted from NMSSA Publication New Mexico Shooting News / Issue June-September 2011

Manzano High School NJROTC and Volcano Vista AFJROTC Air Rifle teams proved to be the top marksmen in the state of New Mexico for the 2010-11 school year outshooting perennial winning teams from Army and Marine Corps schools. Manzano's precision Air Rifle team was led by senior Kirsten Moyer who was also the overall top shooter as an individual. This was Moyer's third State title as an individual wrapping up four years of excellence in the sport. She will move on to shoot at the collegiate level with Murray State University and aspires to compete in Air Rifle in the next summer Olympics. With the exception of Moyer, Manzano's precision team was all new to this class of shooting at the beginning of the school year. Their coach, CDR Mike Beno, commented "I'm proud of the progress this team made throughout the year. They improved both in accuracy and consistency, and consistency is what won this competition."

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