USS Louisville (SSN-724) Sailors participated in a three-day namesake state visit to Kentucky, May 3-5.

Commanding Officer, USS Louisville, Cmdr. David S. Cox, Lt. Brendan T. Tower, Lt. j.g. Hobart K. Kistler, Lt. j.g. Colin J. Feiter, Machinist's Mate 2nd Class George Giranis, Electronics Technician 2nd Class Joseph Bongiorno, and the wife of the commanding officer Jennifer L. Cox were the members of the USS Louisville delegation during the visit.

The trip kicked off with a visit to the Kentucky State Capitol building in Frankfort, Kentucky. Col. Jon Park, Director of Constituent Services for Gov. Matt Bevin led the USS Louisville Sailors on a tour of the building, explaining its history and showing them the spaces in which each branch of the Commonwealth's government conducts business.

The crew later met with Kentucky's Lt. Gov. Jenean Hampton, during which she commissioned each member of the USS Louisville delegation as a Kentucky Colonel, the highest civilian honor the governor can bestow on an individual for service in the name of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The crew returned that great honor with several items from USS Louisville for inclusion in a display dedicated to Kentucky's namesake units.

"It is always a distinct pleasure to visit our namesake city and the Commonwealth we proudly represent overseas; to educate its citizens about life aboard a front-line fast-attack submarine, and share in the rich culture and attractions the region has to offer," said Cox. "This year's trip was, without question, a highlight of my time in command."

The second day of the visit, USS Louisville sailors drove to Ashford Stud Farm, in Versailles, Kentucky, to meet with Mr. Adrian Mansergh-Wallace, Director of Nomination Sales for Coolmore America. Mr. Wallace took them on a tour of the sprawling, 2000-acre farm, including "meet-and-greets" with several notable people.

"At times submarine duty can seem isolating and unappreciated, but three days in Louisville provided many heartwarming examples of patriotism and public support for what we do," said Kistler. "Coming as our visit did in the midst of Derby Week, we couldn't have asked for a more hospitable, affectionate welcome than our friends in Louisville offered us."

On the last day USS Louisville Sailors went first to the Sons of the American Revolution National Headquarters, where Mr. Don Shaw, Executive Director, gave them a tour of the genealogical library, educational museum (under construction), and administrative spaces. Mr. Shaw highlighted the importance of educating the youngest generations about their links to the past and specifically our military heritage. He noted with pride that Cmdr. Cox, Lt. j.g. Kistler, and Mrs. Cox are all members of the SAR or its affiliate, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR); and promised to assist in researching applications of crewmembers that may not have access to genealogical resources while on sea duty.

"Growing up in Maine, I never thought I'd one day find myself touring a bourbon distillery, learning about Kentucky's incredible heritage of horse breeding and racing, or become a Kentucky Colonel!," said Bongiorno. "Aside from educating a lot of people about what we do in the submarine force, this trip educated me more than I ever imagined about what it means to be a Kentuckian!"

The Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO) organized the namesake visit. NAVCO connects Americans with their Navy. With most of the Navy's personnel and equipment logically concentrated on America's coasts, NAVCO oversees a number of community outreach programs designed to bring America's Navy to cities throughout the country that do not enjoy a significant Navy presence.

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