Bangor, WA – Sailors from USS KENTUCKY (SSBN 737) (GOLD) recently traveled to the Commonwealth of Kentucky for a namesake visit over Independence Day Weekend.
Lieutenant Commander Adam Hudson, Executive Officer, Master Chief Machinist’s Mate(SS) Scott Moore, Chief of the Boat and three junior Sailors participated in the four day trip. During their time in Kentucky, the Crew members conducted numerous television and radio interviews, toured the Louisville Slugger factory, and served as float judges for the Madison Regatta Parade, “Indiana’s Largest Lawn Party Parade”. They celebrated Independence Day in Worthington, Kentucky, a small town in rural Eastern Kentucky whose relationship with USS KENTUCKY dates back to commissioning. “These trips really provide us the opportunity to reach out to a community with limited Naval presence”, said LCDR Hudson. According to Yeoman Third Class(SS) Jeremy Boone, “This was by far the best experience that I have enjoyed during my time in the Navy. It was awesome to see how much Kentuckians appreciate the military.”
The highlight of the Trip came the first night with an enlistment at the Downs after Dark Military Appreciation night, ran by Churchill Downs – the world famous track where the Kentucky Derby runs on the first Saturday of every May. With Brigadier General Michael Dornbush, Chief of Joint Staff, Kentucky National Guard presiding, with his fellow KENTUCKY crew members watching and in front of a crowd of over 33,000 looking on, MMCM Moore took his final oath of enlistment. “Churchill Downs is a great venue to promote the Navy. I could not think of a better place to re-enlist for the final time” said MMCM Moore. KENTUCKY’s Junior Sailor the Year, Sonar Technician Third Class(SS) Eric Louttit remarked “The opportunity to attend Churchill Downs, watch a re-enlistment, and visit with community members was a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
The trip was sponsored by Commander, Submarine Forces Pacific Fleet, Community Relations Fund and coordinated by Mr. Philip Setters, Trip Coordinator with the Throughbred Sub-Club. USS Kentucky shares a unique relationship with the Commonwealth of Kentucky that sets the standard for the Submarine Force. “Of the four boats that I have served in, KENTUCKY has the best relationship with her namesake” said CDR Ben Pearson, Commanding Officer.
USS KENTUCKY (SSBN 737) is the eleventh Trident submarine of the Ohio Class home ported out of Bangor, Washington.
Sailors from USS Kentucky (SSBN 737) (Gold) visited Kentucky Center for the Arts to watch KentuckyShow!
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Sailors from USS Kentucky (SSBN 737) (Gold) attend Military Appreciation Night at Churchill Downs and MMCM(SS) Scott Moore, Chief of the Boat, re-enlists.
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