Current University of Iowa student and U.S. Navy veteran Thomas Lutz will attend the commissioning ceremony of the USS Iowa April 5 as a guest of Crystal Group.
The USS Iowa, a fast-attack nuclear-powered submarine built using the latest technology, includes servers from Crystal Group, a leading designer, manufacturer, and integrator of rugged servers, displays, storage devices, networking, and embedded devices based in Cedar Rapids.
Mr. Lutz graduated from Denison High School before joining the Navy and serving as an aviation structural mechanic petty officer second class. He is currently a junior in chemical engineering at the University of Iowa, where he provides math and chemistry tutoring for veterans.
“I spend much of my education learning at the Iowa Veteran Education, Transitions and Support (IVETS) center,” Mr. Lutz said. “While there, I get to see many vets dealing with college problems for the first time. Because of my experiences in the active and reserve military, and as a student, I can advise, guide, and lead them to solutions.”
“I feel honored and lucky to have been chosen to attend the commissioning ceremony,” he added. “I’m exceptionally glad to be sponsored by a company that I can relate to both as an Iowan and an aircraft maintainer. I have seen firsthand the effects of reliable avionics.”
Mr. Lutz will participate in a dinner and reception, which allow Iowans to meet the crew prior to the commissioning. Former Iowa First Lady Christie Vilsack will preside over the commissioning as the USS Iowa sponsor. The pier can accommodate approximately 1,800 people for the ceremony.
Attendees will include members of Submarine Veterans of Iowa, veteran groups, officials with the Battleship Iowa, government officials, and members of the general public.
There will be live watch parties in Iowa. Click here to see a list or watch the ceremony live here.
“I’m really excited to get a tour when the ceremony concludes,” Mr. Lutz added.
The $3 billion submarine will have a crew of 120 enlisted personnel and 14 officers. The USS Iowa is 377 feet long and weighs in at 7,800 tons. The submarine is capable of speeds of more than 25 knots and can dive to depths exceeding 800 feet.
Crystal Group’s rugged technology — designed for use in mission-critical communications, military, and industrial environments — is on every major U.S. Navy platform navigating the globe today.
“It’s an honor for Crystal Group to support the commissioning of the USS Iowa – a vessel that represents the very best of innovation, strength, and national defense,” said Crystal Group president Aaron Maue. “We’re proud that our technology plays a role in keeping its crew safe and connected, and we remain deeply committed to supporting the mission of the U.S. Navy with trusted, high-performance solutions.”
