11-13-18 USS Colorado Commissioning Committee establishes scholarship fund

The USS Colorado Commissioning Committee is proud to announce that they have established a $100,000 scholarship fund benefitting the crew and families of USS Colorado (SSN 788). This long-term goal of the Committee was made possible through the generous donations by citizens and companies of Colorado and others who contributed to their fundraising campaign. Each year two $ 2,000 scholarships may be awarded to crew members, former crew members or members of their families. The scholarship fund will be administered by the Dolphin Scholarship Foundation.

USS Colorado (SSN 788) is the 15th of the Virginia Class of attack submarines. She was commissioned in Groton, CT on March 17th, 2018. About 2,000 persons were present to witness this momentous event. The crew consists of about 120 enlisted and 14 officers who hail from all regions of the United States.

The Dolphin Scholarship Foundation was established in 1960 to assist children of the U.S. Submarine Force with college scholarships. Funds are raised through the financial support of submarine spouse organizations and the submarine community as well as support from individuals, corporations, memorial gifts and Combined Federal Campaign.

The USS Colorado Commissioning Committee was founded in 2013 to generate support for the Commissioning and raise money to fund the traditional events surrounding that event. Part of the fundraising goal was to establish this scholarship fund. The Committee is in the process of creating a new organization to provide for long-term support of the crew and families for the duration of the planned 33-year lifespan of the boat.

The submarine Colorado is the fourth U.S. Navy vessel to bear the Colorado name. The first USS Colorado (Screw Frigate) commissioned in 1858 was named after the Colorado River, the second USS Colorado (AC 7) was an armored cruiser commissioned in 1905, and the

third USS Colorado (BB 45) was the lead ship of its class and was commissioned in 1923 and served with great distinction in World War II, earning seven battle stars for actions in the major campaigns of the Pacific theater.

For more information about the USS Colorado (SSN 788) Scholarship contact John (“JJ”) Mackin, jjmackin@mackinweb.net, 303-641-6479.