Above are representatives of the USS Nebraska, selected to represent the submarine's crew at NEBRASKAland Days. They visited the 20th Century Veterans' Memorial in North Platte Thursday afternoon. Unfortunately, I did not have time to get their names in the order in which they are standing: Mike Fisher, commanding officer, Riverside, Calif.; John Nelson, engineer, Michigan; Bob Butterton, Chief of the Boat, Helena, Mont.; Jason Brettin, A Div., Leading Chief Petty Officer, Indiana; Mike Johnston, machinery division, Fort Worth, Texas; and, Nick Johnson, missile technician, Vancouver, Wash. USS Nebraska's home port is in Bangor, Wash.
The USS Nebraska is the second U.S. Navy ship to be named in honor of Nebraska, the 37th state. She carries Trident ballistic missiles, according to Wikipedia.
USS Nebraska shares her nickname, "Big Red," with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Each year the Big Red Sub Club invites the USS Nebraska to send its top sailors to NEBRASKAland Days, an annual 10-day statewide celebration in North Platte.
It gives them an opportunity to mingle with the community and show appreciation for their support, the sailors said.
Thursday night they were going to attend the Frontier Revue, a rolicking, original musical telling the story of Nebraska and North Platte. What the sailors don't know is that besides being introduced to the crowd, they would most likely end up on the stage as part of the cast for a dance.
Another surprise that awaited the crew this afternoon was the all-male cake-decorating contest.
"We thought we would just come in and put some frosting on a cake," one said.
Instead, they saw other competitors making "works of art."
"We had no idea what we were getting into," another said, with a chuckle.
By the way, they made their cake into a submarine. If I can, I'll try to get a picture of it to show you tomorrow.
The crew was looking forward to attending the rodeo Friday night. Several said they had never been to a rodeo.
Each year the honored guests from the USS Nebraska arrive not knowing quite what to expect, but they leave with a feeling of appreciation for Western hospitality.
One sailor summed up their feelings: "They take such good care of us it is amazing."
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