VIDEO RELEASE--Newport News Shipbuilding Division Christens Virginia-Class Submarine Delaware (SSN 791)
October 20 2018 - 1:38PM
Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:HII) christened the
Virginia-class submarine Delaware (SSN 791) this morning at the
company’s Newport News Shipbuilding division.
Jill Biden, the former Second Lady of the United States and the
ship’s sponsor, smashed a bottle of sparkling wine against the
hull, celebrating the latest milestone of the newest U.S. Navy
vessel prior to its launch.
“I know it is a tremendous privilege to be selected as a
pre-commission crew member, and the sailors standing with us today
are the very best the Navy has to offer,” Biden said. “I am
grateful to become part of the USS Delaware family and to be their
shipmate for life.”
A video and photos accompanying this release are available at:
https://newsroom.huntingtoningalls.com/releases/virginia-class-submarine-delaware-christened.
The ceremony took place in Newport News’ Module Outfitting
Facility and was attended by more than 1,500 guests, including
Delaware Gov. John Carney; Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del.; Rep. Bobby
Scott, D-Va.; James Geurts, assistant secretary of the Navy for
research, acquisition and development; Rear Adm. John Tammen,
director of the undersea warfare division at the Office of the
Chief of Naval Operations; Vice Adm. Richard P. Snyder, the Navy’s
inspector general; and Kurt Hesch, chief operating officer of
General Dynamics Electric Boat.
In her remarks, Newport News Shipbuilding President Jennifer
Boykin recognized the work and craftsmanship of more than 10,000
shipbuilders from Newport News and its partner, Electric Boat. She
also acknowledged the support of the supplier base—more than 5,000
companies in 48 states—that provided parts and materials critical
to Delaware’s successful construction.
“Like the Virginia-class submarines that precede her,” Boykin
said, “Delaware embodies American ingenuity and innovation at its
finest, thanks to the outstanding skill and craftsmanship of an
incredible team.”
The submarine is named for the country’s first state, following
the dreadnought battleship USS Delaware (BB 28) that was delivered
by Newport News in 1910.
“She is named for the second smallest state in the country, but
her purpose is monumental,” Boykin said. “She will serve as an
underwater home to her crew of about 135 sailors for months at a
time, while also serving on the front lines of our nation’s
defense. Her strength and her stealth give our country powerful
advantage over our adversaries.”
Delaware is the 18th Virginia-class submarine and the ninth to
be delivered by Newport News. Construction began in September 2013
and is 93 percent complete.
“My crew and I are honored to represent the state of Delaware
and the U.S. Navy in this historic event,” said Cmdr. Brian P.
Hogan, commanding officer of the pre-commissioning unit. “Together
with the team at Newport News Shipbuilding, we are one significant
step closer to commissioning this fine warship, joining the fleet
and defending our nation."
Today’s christening was a second such milestone for a
Virginia-class submarine. Vermont (SSN 792), the 19th submarine
built as part of a teaming agreement with Electric Boat, also was
christened today at the company’s headquarters in Groton,
Connecticut.
Delaware is scheduled to be delivered to the U.S. Navy next
year.
A video of the ceremony, along with additional information on
Delaware, Biden and the Virginia-class submarine program, can be
found at: nns.huntingtoningalls.com/Delaware-christening.
Huntington Ingalls Industries is America’s largest military
shipbuilding company and a provider of professional services to
partners in government and industry. For more than a century, HII’s
Newport News and Ingalls shipbuilding divisions in Virginia and
Mississippi have built more ships in more ship classes than any
other U.S. naval shipbuilder. HII’s Technical Solutions division
provides a wide range of professional services through its Fleet
Support, Mission Driven Innovative Solutions, Nuclear &
Environmental, and Oil & Gas groups. Headquartered in Newport
News, Virginia, HII employs more than 40,000 people operating both
domestically and internationally. For more information, visit:
- HII on the web: www.huntingtoningalls.com
- HII on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/HuntingtonIngallsIndustries
- HII on Twitter: twitter.com/hiindustries
Contact:
Duane BourneDuane.A.Bourne@HII-co.com(757) 380-3581
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