Arizona House to Honor Crew of PCU Arizona

The Arizona House of Representatives will take a moment during its March 17 session to recognize a group of sailors whose mission takes place far beneath the ocean’s surface.

State Representative Quang Nguyen will welcome the crew of PCU Arizona (SSN-803) to the House floor at 1:15 p.m., where lawmakers will introduce the sailors and present a proclamation honoring their service and the historic legacy carried by the submarine’s name.

The ceremony will take place at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix, with members of the public invited to observe from the House Gallery.

A Name That Carries History

For many Americans, the name USS Arizona is synonymous with sacrifice and remembrance. The battleship USS Arizona was destroyed during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, becoming one of the most enduring symbols of American service during World War II.

Today, the sailors assigned to PCU Arizona carry that name forward as they prepare to serve aboard the submarine that will eventually enter the Navy’s fleet.

“The crew of PCU Arizona carries a name that means a great deal to our state and commands respect across this country,” Nguyen said. “These sailors stand watch in silence, operate under immense pressure, and defend this country with discipline, courage, and grit.”

The tribute on the House floor will recognize the crew’s role in continuing that legacy.

Leadership of the Submarine

The submarine’s leadership team includes Commanding Officer Cmdr. Christian Olsen, Executive Officer Lt. Cmdr. Aaron Kalfus, and Chief of the Boat MMACM Cody Henry.

Together with the rest of the crew, they oversee the training, preparation, and readiness required for one of the Navy’s most technically demanding assignments.

Submarine service requires sailors to operate in tight quarters, often for extended periods underwater, carrying out missions critical to national security while remaining largely unseen by the public.

A Modern Class of Submarines

PCU Arizona is part of the Virginia-class fleet of nuclear-powered fast attack submarines operated by the U.S. Navy.

The Virginia-class—also known as the VA-class or 774-class—was designed to perform a wide range of missions in both open-ocean and coastal environments. The submarines were developed as a more cost-effective alternative to the Seawolf-class submarines that were designed during the Cold War.

They are also gradually replacing the Navy’s aging Los Angeles-class submarines, 29 of which have already been decommissioned as newer Virginia-class vessels enter service.

These submarines play a key role in maintaining the Navy’s ability to conduct operations around the world.

A Personal Connection

For Representative Nguyen, the tribute carries personal significance. His daughter currently serves aboard a Navy submarine, giving him firsthand insight into the demands placed on both sailors and their families.

“As the father of a daughter serving aboard a Navy submarine, I know this duty demands sacrifice from both sailors and their families alike,” Nguyen said. “Arizona is proud to welcome this crew to the people’s House and pay tribute to their service to our nation.”

Public Invited to Attend

The ceremony will take place at the Arizona House of Representatives, 1700 W. Washington Street in Phoenix, and members of the public are invited to attend.

Those unable to attend in person can watch the proceedings through a livestream available at www.azleg.gov/liveproceedings.

For a brief moment inside the State Capitol, the quiet work of America’s submariners will take center stage—recognizing the sailors serving aboard PCU Arizona and the legacy they represent.