Jersey has the watch.
Every quarter we publish a full update connecting the crew of USS New Jersey (SSN 796) in Norfolk, Virginia with the residents, veterans, and businesses of the Garden State who stand behind them.
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Crew news from Norfolk. New Jersey community updates. Business spotlights. One email per quarter. No spam. Unsubscribe any time.
Q1 2026 newsletter
Jersey has the watch — Q1 2026
USS New Jersey crew completes dry dock upgrades and rejoins fleet operations from Norfolk, Virginia.
Spring has sprung — SSN 796 moves ahead
Pete Engelman on dry dock upgrades completed and the crew rejoining fleet operations from Norfolk.
Forged in Florence — DC Fabricators
DC Fabricators in Florence, New Jersey manufactures mission-critical submarine components. The crew toured their facility this year.
Meet the ombudsman: Madison Adams
Madison Adams — wife, mother, and ombudsman for SSN 796 — on serving the command's families from eastern Pennsylvania.
BB-62 welcomes CDR Ron Simmons
The Battleship New Jersey hosted the submarine's new Commanding Officer for dinner in the Officers' Wardroom and a tour led by BB-62 veterans.
800 students set Guinness World Record
Students from Elizabeth Public Schools formed the largest human submarine image in June 2025 at the site of the original Crescent Shipyard.
Firepower for Freedom at the State House
Maritime artist James A. Flood's painting was presented at the New Jersey State House with Senator Paul A. Sarlo and Brigadier General Yvonne L. Mays in attendance.
USS Growler and the Regulus I missile
How a Cold War submarine that had to surface to launch nuclear missiles shaped the fleet that SSN 796 belongs to today.
A mother's message from Middletown
Myra Kryscnski shares the story of her son Jon David Kryscnski, a materials engineer who contributed to the Virginia-class program before his death in 2016.
What you'll find in each newsletter
We follow the same structure every quarter. Crew members need predictability. Donors need rhythm without fatigue.
Lead story
One major crew achievement or significant donation. High-resolution photo. The news that matters most this quarter.
Norfolk report
What is happening at the boat right now. Local Norfolk, Virginia flavor. Crew activities, port schedule, and base news.
NJ connection
Home state news. History spotlights, business partners, upcoming events that New Jersey residents and veterans can attend.
Crew Q&A
One crew member answers one question. First name, rating, and portrait photo. This is the human face of SSN 796.
Industry spotlight
A New Jersey business connected to the boat or crew. Case studies, facility visits, and the New Jersey manufacturers behind the Silent Service.
Single call to action
One ask per edition. Donate, attend an event, or share the newsletter. Signal Gold button. No clutter. No competing asks.
Stories from the latest edition
DC Fabricators of Florence, New Jersey
In Florence, skilled welders, machinists, and engineers manufacture critical components for U.S. Navy submarines. The crew of SSN 796 toured the shop floor earlier this year. The team's reaction: "Meeting the sailors reminds us why we hold ourselves to such a high standard."
Read the full story800 students. 1 Guinness World Record. Elizabeth, NJ.
In June 2025, more than 800 students from Elizabeth Public Schools formed the largest human image of a submarine. The record was set at the former Crescent Shipyard, where the first U.S. Navy submarine was built. Guinness officials verified the record on site.
Read the full storyFirepower for Freedom at the New Jersey State House
Painting by James A. Flood, a maritime artist and Battleship New Jersey veteran, was presented at the State House in fall 2025. Senator Paul A. Sarlo and Brigadier General Yvonne L. Mays attended the ceremony connecting past and present vessels.
Read the full storyJon David Kryscnski — Middletown, New Jersey
Materials engineer. Rensselaer and MIT graduate. Electric Boat project engineer. NAVSEA Virginia-class and Columbia-class program manager. Jon passed away in 2016. He is buried in Middletown, minutes from Naval Weapons Station Earle where SSN 796 was commissioned.
Read the full storyPast editions
Every edition is preserved here. The complete story of SSN 796 and New Jersey, quarter by quarter.
Questions about the newsletter
How often does the USS New Jersey Support Organization publish newsletters?
We publish newsletters quarterly, on the 1st of each quarter. Crew members need predictability. Donors need rhythm without fatigue. No exceptions to the schedule.
What is in each USS New Jersey (SSN 796) newsletter?
Each edition includes a message from Chairman Pete Engelman, a Norfolk report on current crew activities, a New Jersey community connection story, a crew member Q&A, a business spotlight, upcoming events, and a single call to action.
How do I sign up for the USS New Jersey newsletter?
Enter your email address in the signup form at the top of this page. You'll receive each quarterly edition covering crew news from Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, and updates from New Jersey supporters.
Can crew families access the USS New Jersey newsletter?
Yes. The newsletter is designed for crew members, their families, New Jersey residents, veterans, and businesses. It is a steady link between sailors aboard USS New Jersey (SSN 796) and everyone who stands behind them ashore.