In Memorium – Capt. Kenneth Gunderson

Our Founding Chairman

This page is dedicated to our founding chairman, Captain Kenneth Gunderson, USN (retired). Captain Kenneth Jay Gunderson, 67, peacefully passed away at home on February 10th, 2020 in Sandy, UT. Ken was born April 30, 1952 to Kearn and Eleanor Oelke in Burbank, CA. After his father’s passing he was adopted by Lloyd Gunderson and raised by Lloyd and Eleanor in Northridge, CA. Ken graduated from Northridge High School and attended the University of Utah, where he graduated with a B.S. in Political Science in 1974. In college Ken was in the Navy ROTC and was an inaugural member of the University of Utah lacrosse team. After graduation, Ken was commissioned in the United States Navy and became a Naval Aviator. In 1976, Ken married the love of his life, Mary Harris, in the Salt Lake Temple. Ken served for 23 years as an aviator in the United States Navy, flying off aircraft carriers and serving in Operation Desert Storm. From 1993 to 1995 he served as the commanding officer of VR-57. He retired from the Navy as a Captain. Ken also had a successful 30-year career as a pilot for Delta Airlines. He retired from Delta as a Captain after serving as an assistant chief pilot, line check airman, flight instructor, and a member of the Delta Chairman’s Club.

Ken and Mary raised five sons and he was an exemplary husband, father, and grandfather, and is a hero to his family. He and Mary had many adventures together traveling the world and raising their boys. Ken spent countless hours with his sons riding bicycles, shooting guns, and goofing around. Beyond his family, Ken positively influenced hundreds of young men as a lacrosse coach at Jordan High School and Utah Valley University. As a scouter with the Boy Scouts of America he helped dozens of young men achieve their Eagle rank. He loved spending time in his garden, caring for his large vegetable patch, orchard, chickens, and honeybees. Ken’s persona was larger than life itself. He loved playful pranks and had an independent spirit. In all of his roles- as a father, a pilot, a coach, a church leader, or as a neighbor he sought to be a mentor and friend first. All aspects of Ken’s life shared a common thread, that of service to family, country, church and community.

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Upcoming Events

Days of ’47 Crew Visit
Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Lt Nathaniel Walko, Senior Chief Dan Miller, MMN1 Wesley Bartholomew, and SSSN Kameron Smith represented the USS Utah during the Day’s of ’47. While here they participated in the Pioneer Day parade, visited the Utah Governor’s office, met with business and community leaders, were introduced at a Salt Lake Bees game and Real Salt Lake […]

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July Crew Visit
Sunday, July 20, 2025

Crew members of the USS Utah will celebrate Pioneer Days during their visit in July 2025.  They are special guests of the Salt Lake Bees, Real Utah and the Days of 47 rodeo.  Watch for them riding the submarine float with Utah’s submarine veterans during the Days of 47 Parade!  

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USS Utah (SSN-801) Christening, October 25
Sunday, July 20, 2025

Christening for the USS Utah (SSN-801) will be held October 25, 10:00 Eastern Time, at the Electric Boat Shipyard in Groton, Connecticut.  Watch parties will be held around Utah for those who are unable to travel to the east coast. Those traveling are responsible for all travel costs. Click here for more information.

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83RD Anniversary Pearl Harbor Day – USS Utah Ceremony
Friday, December 6, 2024

The USS Utah Memorial Sunset Ceremony held every year on December 6th honors the loss of the USS Utah (AG-16) and 58 of her crew

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No Upcoming Events
Tuesday, February 6, 2024

There are currently no upcoming events. Check back soon!

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Recent News

Days of ’47 Crew Visit
Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Lt Nathaniel Walko, Senior Chief Dan Miller, MMN1 Wesley Bartholomew, and SSSN Kameron Smith represented the USS Utah during the Day’s of ’47. While here they participated in the Pioneer Day parade, visited the Utah Governor’s office, met with business and community leaders, were introduced at a Salt Lake Bees game and Real Salt Lake […]

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July Crew Visit
Sunday, July 20, 2025

Crew members of the USS Utah will celebrate Pioneer Days during their visit in July 2025.  They are special guests of the Salt Lake Bees, Real Utah and the Days of 47 rodeo.  Watch for them riding the submarine float with Utah’s submarine veterans during the Days of 47 Parade!  

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PCU UTAH SSN 801 Crew Facebook Page
Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Follow the PCU UTAH SSN 801 Crew on Facebook here.

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Documentary on the USS Montana
Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Documentary on the USS Montana – and the Treasure State’s long history with the U.S. Navy – will air on February 22 Montanans across the state will soon be able to watch a fascinating documentary about the nuclear-powered fast attack submarine USS MONTANA and our landlocked state’s ironic relationship with the U.S. Navy for more […]

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83rd USS Utah Anniversary Video
Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Watch the video of the 83rd Annual USS Utah Anniversary.

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83RD Anniversary Pearl Harbor Day – USS Utah Ceremony
Friday, December 6, 2024

The USS Utah Memorial Sunset Ceremony held every year on December 6th honors the loss of the USS Utah (AG-16) and 58 of her crew

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Shipyard Workers Recognition
Monday, October 28, 2024

Images from a roll out of a recognition program we put together acknowledging the hard work of the shipyard workers and their contribution throughout our history in our naval strength.

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USS Utah Crew Visit Utah
Monday, July 24, 2023

Crew of the USS Utah visit Utah and meet with the Governor. They also attended a Salt Lake Bee’s baseball game and the Days of 47 Parade.

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