Courtesy Photo | 250222-N-N0869-1002 NEW ORLEANS (Feb. 22, 2025) NEW ORLEANS (Feb. 22, 2025) Sailors...... read more read more
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Sailors assigned to the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Louisiana (SSBN 743) experienced New Orleans’ one-of-a-kind culture during a namesake visit that included engagements with local organizations in the bayou and surrounding areas, Feb. 19-23, 2025.
Namesake visits deepen the connection between Sailors and the states or cities for which their vessels are named, connecting servicemembers directly with local communities. Despite their similarities in mission set and capabilities, each Ohio-class submarine has a unique culture influenced by its namesake. For Louisiana, this is evident with its purple-hued passageways and other memorabilia that pays homage to the Pelican State. Namesake visits promote a synergistic relationship—reinvigorating the boat’s ties to the state while educating Louisianans about the prospects of a career in the U.S. Navy’s undersea force.
Meeting with junior and reserve officer corps members from the Brother Martin, New Orleans Military and Maritime Academy, Southern University , and Tulane, the visiting submariners had the opportunity to give real-world insight on what it is like to serve for the world’s most capable and lethal naval force, answering questions for the potential future warfighters.
“I am a Louisiana native born in Houma,” said Electronic Technician (Navigation) 3rd Class James Logan. “It was amazing getting to share the rich culture and generous hospitality of my home state with my colleagues. I believe we made an impact on the curious students at local school’s we visited by giving them insight into the lives we live as submariners and the opportunities afforded us as members of the Submarine Force community.”
The visit featured a robust itinerary of activities including meetings with State Representative Mark Wright and Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser at the Louisiana State Capitol, a shoreline restoration volunteer event hosted by Pontchartrain Conservancy, and a speaking engagement at The Round Table Club—an historic institution founded in 1898 to be a hub for social and cultural activities in New Orleans.
"Having the ability to share my story to prospective future officers and Sailors was the most fulfilling part of our trip,” said Machinist’s Mate (Aviation) 1st Class Katie Fortner. “I am from a small town in Louisiana named Loranger. In 2012 I left Loranger to start my career in the surface Navy, ultimately switching to submarines upon selection for the program in May 2015. It was great to be able to share my story with people from my home state who may end up wearing the Navy uniform themselves. One of the best things about the Navy is the wide variety of rates and specialties open to Sailors. Regardless of your interests there is a way for you to serve.”
The state of Louisiana’s ties with the U.S. Navy dates back to the War of 1812 when New Orleans was the site of Gen. Andrew Jackson’s victory against British forces aided by a small contingent of naval forces led by Commodore David Patterson. Louisiana is the 18th and last ship of the U.S. Navy's Ohio class of nuclear-powered fleet ballistic-missile submarines. Commissioned in 1997, Louisiana is the fourth ship to bear the name of the state of Louisiana. The boat’s crest recalls the traditions of the people, the state of Louisiana, and the three previous U.S. Navy ships to bear the name. The 18 stars surrounding the crest identify Louisiana as the 18th state of the Union and Louisiana as the 18th Ohio-class submarine.
Furthermore, the Louisiana state bird, the pelican, is shown protecting her young with outstretched wings. As legend has it the pelican is the only bird known to give its own flesh to feed its young when it is unable to find food. Inclusion of the pelican on the crest signifies Louisiana’s mission to defend America and the values our nation represents at all costs.
“The crew is always excited to expand our cultural connections with Louisiana,” said Cmdr. McBurnett, commanding officer of Louisiana. “The opportunity to expand the boat’s connection to the unique culture of Louisiana strengthens the sense of pride and ownership the crew shows aboard our amazing submarine. I want to extend a special thank you to the fantastic people of Louisiana for the hospitality and friendship they showed our team!”
Stationed in the Pacific Northwest at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, Louisiana is one of eight SSBNs under the command and control of Commander, Submarine Group (SUBGRU) 9.
SUBGRU-9 exercises administrative control authority for assigned submarine commands and units in the Pacific Northwest providing oversight for shipboard training, personnel, supply and material readiness of submarines and their crews. SUBGRU-9 is also responsible for nuclear submarines undergoing conversion or overhaul at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility in Bremerton, Washington.
SUBGRU-9’s subordinate commands include Submarine Readiness Squadron 31, Submarine Squadrons 17 and 19, eight SSBNs, two SSGNs, and four SSNs homeported in the Pacific Northwest.
| Date Taken: | 03.03.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 03.04.2025 11:14 |
| Story ID: | 491935 |
| Location: | NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, US |
| Web Views: | 1,018 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Pacific Northwest Submariners visit Louisiana: Strengthening Bonds with Submarine’s Namesake Community, by PO1 Ryan Riley, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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