CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (June 2, 2023) — Officials with the USS IOWA Commissioning Committee have announced a charitable contribution of $50,000 from Iowa-based grocer Hy-Vee, Inc. The donation will help support the submarine christening and commissioning of the USS IOWA SSN 797, submarine amenities to improve crew member’s morale and wellness, and the Family Readiness Support Group for families while crew members are working on submarine construction or at sea. The USS IOWA, also known as the SSN 797, is the fourth U.S. Navy vessel named after the State of Iowa. When commissioned, the USS IOWA will join the nation’s fleet of nearly 50 submarines to ensure the country’s safety through strategic deterrence and undersea warfare programs.

Fred Dorr, a representative of the USS Iowa Commissioning Committee, said “Hy-Vee is the first major company in Iowa to step up and support the efforts of the crew on the USS IOWA submarine. With a goal of raising $300,000, we hope other companies will follow their example of supporting those who are protecting our freedom and keeping our country safe with all the turmoil we are seeing across the world right now. The company has had an amazing track record for making sure our country’s heroes are taken care of and we are encouraged that others will do the same with a donation of their own.”

The USS Iowa (SSN 797) is a Virginia Class nuclear submarine.

Click on these images to enlarge

Hy-Vee has long supported active-duty military members and veterans through monetary support and employment opportunities through its Hy-Vee Homefront program. Every November, Hy-Vee holds it’s annual Hy-Vee Homefront Register Round Up and hosts a free breakfast for more than 90,000 veterans and active military members. Hy-Vee has also received numerous awards and recognition for supporting veteran and active-duty military member employees. In addition, Hy-Vee has received the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Patriot Award for recruiting, retainment and career-building efforts for disabled veterans, active-duty and veteran employees. The retailer also received the Chairman’s Award of Corporate Excellence from the national nonprofit Hope for the Warriors. In 2022, Hy-Vee was named to Forbes’ list of America’s Best Employers for Veterans.

To learn more about the USS Iowa or ways your business or organization can donate to the USS Iowa Commissioning Committee, visit https://www.ssn797.com/about/commissioning-committee.

The USS Iowa (SSN 797) commissioning committee is a national network of strong supporters aligned with a common vision and goal: To raise broad awareness and generate deep support for the commissioning of the nuclear submarine bearing the proud name IOWA. The mission of the commissioning committee is to generate the funds necessary to provide amenities, equipment and celebration not funded by Congress. Learn more at www.SSN797.com