Preserving the USS Olympia - a Protected Cruiser

The USS Olympia, which fought in the Spanish American War of 1898 has been preserved and is a valuable piece of US maritime history. Unfortunately, Olympia needs $10-15 million in repairs to keep her a viable museum for years to come. She has not been out of water for approximately 40 years. If you have connections or resources to help, please contact me at 612-599-1935 or bdskon@fedex.com.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

For Immediate Release

The Navy League of the United States, Twin Cities Council announces the Keel Authentication Ceremony for the future     
USS Minnesota SSN 783!

On Friday, May 20, 2011 at 12:00 noon the Keel Authentication Ceremony will take place at the Huntington Ingalls Industries shipyard in Newport News, VA www.huntingtoningalls.com.

  • In July 2008, the United States Navy announced that our state would be honored by having a warship named ‘Minnesota.’  Not since 1922 have we had a US Navy warship named after our state.

  • Officially known as Precommissioning Unit (PCU) Minnesota, the Virginia-class fast attack submarine will receive its ‘USS’ designator once commissioned (estimated in June 2013).

  • The Keel Authentication Ceremony is a time-honored tradition that includes having the signature of the Ships Sponsor welded into the keel of this ship.  The Sponsor then announces that ‘the keel is truly and fairly laid.

  • This ceremony marks the first in three major milestones of bringing PCU Minnesota to the fleet.

  • PCU Minnesota is being built in the same shipyard as the previous two USS Minnesota’s, and just five miles from one of the most famous naval battles in history that prominently featured the first USS Minnesota in the Civil War (the famed ‘Minnesota’ connection we see in many news stories).


  • Attending the ceremony from the Twin Cities Council:

    • Dave Hutton,  USN Ret., President, Twin Cities Council, and Co-Chair of USS Minnesota Commissioning Committee (USMCC)
    • Brian Skon, Vice President, Twin Cities Council, Vice Chair USMCC
    • Mike Alteri, USN Ret., Board of Directors, Twin Cities Council and member USMCC
    • Jim Sillman, USN Ret., member Navy League and USMCC

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