Malta's Lodmell, Sundin, attend Commission of USS Montana

The U.S. Navy's newest Virginia-class attack submarine, the USS MONTANA (SSN-794) was commissioned in a traditional ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. This is the second commissioned warship to bear the name MONTANA.

Among the several hundred Montanans who were invited to attend the colorful and patriotic recognition of the submarine and its new officers and crew members were current Malta resident Terry Lodmell and former resident retired Navy Commander Mel Sundin. Terry was a member of the committee that planned and organized the many activities surrounding the time-honored celebration of welcoming new ships to the Navy.

Besides the sub's Commanding Officer, CDR Jon B. Quimby, several other dignitaries were on hand to pay tribute to the Navy's newest "boat," as submarines are called by those who serve on them. Among those were Undersecretary of the Navy Erik K. Raven; Montana State Governor the Honorable Greg Gianforte: Director of Naval Reactors Admiral James F. Caldwell, Jr.; Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic, Vice Admiral William J. Houston; presidents of major shipbuilding contractors, and others.

Two very special participants were the submarine's official sponsor, former U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and the boat's Maid of Honor, Native American Maria Gladstone, a member of the Blackfeet Nation in northwest Montana.

Several members of the many tribes of Native Americans from Montana came to pay a unique tribute on behalf of their brothers and sisters back home. A special drum circle and ship blessing were performed.

Terry and Mel attended the various events related to the commissioning and got a special tour of the new USS MONTANA. "This is a very exciting moment, says Terry. I am proud to be a part of it." The enthusiasm was echoed by Mel: "The ship commissioning is one of the most memorable ceremonies in Naval history. Mel summed it up this way: "This one is particularly moving for both Terry and myself, honoring our home state and getting personally invited to attend with our fellow Montanans. It truly makes me proud to be from the Treasure State and to know our beloved state will be so honored by such a magnificent submarine and her officers and crew."