Welcome Aboard!
The Commanders Club of Michigan welcomes you to our web site.
The Commanders Club of Michigan was formed at the request of Governor John Swainson by a group of business leaders and State Officials in 1962. It was formed to provide a formal organization to utilize the interest, time, and facilities of Honorary Commanders. Our Governor, Adjutant General, and Secretary of State sign our commissions. Although many of our Commanders served in or retired from the military; military service is not a pre-requisite for membership.
The Commanders Club has a rich history of accomplishments as we continue to support our Statutory Requirements and all of the United States Armed Forces, the United States Naval Sea Cadets; other military associations and the maritime interests of Michigan.
PROJECTS OF THE CLUB:
* Sponsor and provide financial support to the youth ages 11 through 18 in two U.S. Naval Sea Cadets Units and two U.S. Navy League Cadet Units here in Michigan.
* Involved with the naming of the Nuclear Submarine, USS MICHIGAN (SSGN 727) and maintain contact with her crew and visiting the ship on occasion.
* Assisted in founding the Michigan Merchant Maritime Academy, now the Great Lakes Maritime Academy.
* Commissioned the Yacht "Helen" in 1965.
* Placed a Commemorative Plaque honoring the EDMUND FITZGERALD at the Soo Locks, Michigan.
* Assist the U.S. Navy in recruiting efforts and the Navy Nurse Corps with recruitment of qualified personnel.
* Have assisted in placing graduating Sea Cadets into U.S. Service Academies, Navy ROTC, and other ROTC Programs, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, and Michigan Army and Air National Guard.
* Assisted with the establishment of legislation in water safety and boating controls in and on the Great Lakes.
* Participated in Detroit’s Navy Week; hosting visiting flag officers.
* Several Commanders attended the commissioning ceremonies for USS FREEDOM (LCS-1) in Milwaukee, WI and the USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN-77) in Norfolk, VA
Currently the Commanders meet nine times per year for a business meeting, dinner, and hosting interesting guest speakers. The Commanders attend, and financially support, a number of social events which include the Commanders Ball, U.S. Navy Ball’s, U.S. Coast Guard Memorial and Parade in Grand Haven, Michigan, and annually attend the U.S. Navy’s Recruit Graduation at Navy Training Center Great Lakes as the Guests of Honor. We also enjoy a weekend on Mackinac Island each year and attend various other social events. Most all of the events are attended by the Commanders, spouses and family members.
