USS Maine Celebrates 15 Years
By COMSUBGRU Nine Public Affairs

Release Date: 7/29/2010

(BANGOR, Wash.) - Sailors aboard the USS Maine (SSBN 741) (Gold) celebrated the 15th anniversary of the ship’s commissioning with a small ceremony at the Keyport Undersea Museum July 29, Keyport, Wash.

Members from the Northwest Chapter of the Universal Ship Cancellation Society (USCS) USS Columbia #106 sponsored the event that included a birthday cake and an address from the Commanding Officer.

“Occasions like these keep the Navy, the strong, close knit community that it is, and remind those of us in uniform how privileged we are to be a part of such an incredible organization,” said Cmdr. Richard Massie, USS Maine (SSBN 741) (Gold) Commanding Officer.  “Groups that highlight our naval heritage, such as the fine men and women of the Columbia Chapter of the USCS, help us to keep our slogan ‘Remember the Maine’ alive and well.”

Members of the local USCS chapter created commemorative cachets and postmarks in keeping with their tradition of recording naval history through the naval postal system.