FHBC Vice Chairman Tendoy attends commissioning ceremony for U.S. Navy’s new USS Idaho submarine
FHBC Vice Chairman Lee Juan Tendoy (fourth from right) with Idaho Gov. Brad Little (far left) and other U.S. dignitaries on April 25 in Groton, Conn.
By ROSELYNN YAZZIE & MICHAEL STEELE
Office of Public Affairs
GROTON, Conn. — At the invitation of the USS Idaho Commissioning Committee, Vice-Chairman Lee Juan Tendoy joined dignitaries from across the state for the commissioning ceremony of the U.S. Navy’s newest submarine.
The USS Idaho (SSN 799) was officially commissioned on April 25 at Naval Submarine Base New London following years of preparation and construction.
At a gala the evening prior to the commissioning, Vice Chairman Lee Juan Tendoy provided a hand drum song and prayer offering a blessing over the submarine, its crew, and the waters it will soon travel. In that moment, tradition and service came together as Idaho’s namesake vessel was prepared for its next chapter. “It was an honor to represent our people at this historic event,” Tendoy said.
The USS Idaho is a 377-foot Virginia-class nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, it joins the Navy’s fleet as one of its most capable warships. Designed for stealth, speed, and versatility, the vessel will be home to 15 officers and 120 enlisted sailors and will support a wide range of global missions.
It is the fifth Navy vessel to carry the Idaho name. The previous USS Idaho (BB-42) was a battleship that received seven battle stars during World War II and was present in Tokyo Bay in 1945 for the formal surrender of Japan.
The USS Idaho Commissioning Committee, chaired by retired U.S. Navy Captain Richard Colburn, was diligent in its planning to ensure Idaho’s Indian tribes were represented. He worked closely with the Fort Hall Business Council and the Tribes’ Language and Culture Preservation Department to ensure there was Tribal representation throughout the commissioning process. The collaboration efforts resulted in the development of a commemorative plaque for display on the vessel honoring the significance of Chief Pocatello to Idaho’s history.
“For us, the USS Idaho would not be complete without the participation of the Tribes,” Colburn said.
Colburn also highlighted how much it meant for Tendoy to be able to participate in various events up to the Idaho’s commissioning to include participating in the boat’s 2024 Christening, and expressed his appreciation to the Fort Hall Business Council for their support and partnership.
The USS Idaho will be stationed at Naval Submarine Base New London, Connecticut and will soon begin its mission to support the U.S. Navy across the globe.
