COMMANDERS CLUB OF MICHIGAN

The Beginning of the Commanders Club of Michigan
In 1962, Governor John B. Swainson met with a group of business leaders, politically influential leaders and state officials from around Michigan to form the Commanders Club of Michigan.
ACTIVITIES
From the beginning of the Club, its’ members have been active in upholding the mission it was charged with. The following are major activities the Club has been involved with:
• October 1965: Commissioning of the 106-foot yacht “Helene” as the official Flagship of the Commanders Club of Michigan, by the authority of Governor George W. Romney. Participating in the commissioning were Governor John B. Swainson, Detroit Mayor Jerome P. Cavanaugh, and leaders from the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard.
• December 1966: The Club began advising and financially assisting the Navy League of the United States Sea Cadets (United States Division) in Lansing and more recently the Sea Cadets (Michigan Commanders Battalion) in Grand Rapids.
o CDR Pellerito was the key person in establishing the Michigan Commanders Battalion.
• March 1969: Initiated action with the Michigan Legislature to establish the Great Lakes Maritime Academy in Traverse City, MI.
• September 1970: Initiated action with the United State Navy to have a $1.2 billion Trident Submarine (USS Michigan: SSBN-727/SSGN-727) named after the State of Michigan.
• September 1976: Provided a memorial plaque to commemorate the Captain and crew of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald. The plaque was presented to the mayor of Sault Ste Marie, MI and is on display at the Information Center at the Soo Locks. The ceremony took place in the Governors Room at the State Capitol and was officiated by Governor William G. Milliken.
• In 1992: Commanders flew to Naval Station Puget Sound near Seattle, WA on a C-130 transport plane to participate in maneuvers on board the nuclear submarine USS Michigan.
• In 2012: The Club received a resolution from the State of Michigan – House of Representatives commemorating the Commanders Club of Michigan on its’ 50th anniversary.
• In 2018: The Club received a letter from Governor Snyder on the 125th anniversary of the establishment of the Michigan Naval Militia.
• Supporting the Lansing Navy and Marine Corp Reserve Center/NOSC.
• Members of the Club have attended commissioning ceremonies for these U.S. Navy ships:
o USS Freedom (LCS-1)
o USS George H. W. Bush (CVN-77)
o USS Milwaukee (LCS-5)
o USS Detroit (LCS-7)
o USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78)
o USS Little Rock (LCS-9)
o USS Sioux City (LCS-11)
• The Club was instrumental in the purchase of the Fresnel Lens at the Michigan Historical Museum.
• Members of the Club have assisted with the establishment of legislation in water safety and boating controls in and on the Great Lakes.
• Since its’ inception, members of the Club have assisted with the recruiting efforts of the U.S. Navy by sitting on advisory councils.
• The Club has assisted in placing graduating Sea Cadets into the U.S. Armed Services Academies and in the U.S. Armed Services.
• Members of the Club attended and participated in graduation ceremonies at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Illinois.
• Members of the Club have hosted visiting U.S. Navy flag officers.
• Members of the Club have been invited to visit U.S. Navy vessels operating on the Great Lakes.
• Members of the Club have also participated in such activities as the U.S. Coast Guard parade in Grand Haven, MI, U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard Change-of-Command ceremonies, visiting Naval Station Great Lakes in Illinois, visiting the Great Lakes Maritime Academy in Traverse City, participating in other U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard activities, attending air shows in Michigan, and attending, as guests of the Adjutant General, the Social and Pass & Review at the Michigan National Guard Training facility in Grayling, MI.