Video Release — Virginia-Class Submarine Montana (SSN 794) Christened during Virtual Ceremony at Newport News Shipbuilding
September 12 2020 - 1:00PM
In its first ceremony celebrating the U.S. Navy’s newest
fast-attack submarine in front of a virtual audience, Huntington
Ingalls Industries (NYSE: HII) christened pre-commissioning unit
Montana (SSN 794) today at the company’s Newport News Shipbuilding
division.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions on the size of public gatherings,
the christening ceremony was hosted virtually at Newport News’
Module Outfitting Facility.
“Yes, we are disappointed we couldn’t host the normal pomp and
circumstance today, and that our shipbuilders and their families
couldn’t be here in person to witness history. But as shipbuilders,
we know the show must go on,” said Jennifer Boykin, president of
Newport News Shipbuilding. “Our work doesn’t stop for a pandemic,
just as the Navy’s mission never ends. It is our honor, our duty
and our calling to keep the wheels of shipbuilding turning, and in
doing so, bring Montana one step closer to her ultimate mission of
defending the United States of America.”
Boykin also applauded the work and craftsmanship of more than
10,000 shipbuilders from Newport News and its partner, General
Dynamics Electric Boat who continue to assemble Montana. She also
acknowledged the support of the supplier base — more than 5,000
companies in all 50 states — that provided parts and materials
critical to Montana’s construction.
A video and photos accompanying this release are available at:
https://newsroom.huntingtoningalls.com/releases/montanachristening.
Former Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, the ship’s
sponsor, smashed a bottle of sparkling wine across the bow to mark
the christening of the submarine that honors the state of
Montana.
“I am grateful to the shipbuilders and dedicated Navy officers
and crew for building and readying Montana for service to our
nation and the world,” Jewell said. “It is a privilege to bless and
christen this incredible submarine, and to join the current and
future submariners as their shipmates for life.”
The virtual event included pre-taped segments where maid of
honor Mariah Gladstone, of the Blackfeet Nation in Montana, recited
a Native American blessing and members of the Confederated Salish
and Kootenai Tribes, of Flathead Indian Reservation, performed a
traditional Native American honor song. Rep. Robert C. Scott, of
Virginia; members of the Montana congressional delegation including
Sens. Jon Tester and Steve Daines, as well as Rep. Greg Gianforte;
and General Dynamics Electric Boat President Kevin Graney also
offered pre-recorded remarks celebrating the ship’s milestone.
Vice Adm. Richard P. Snyder, the Navy’s inspector general, also
was in attendance.
In his keynote address, Acting Undersecretary of the Navy
Gregory J. Slavonic said: “Montana will enhance our fleet with next
generation stealth, surveillance and special warfare capabilities.
This powerful platform is proof of an ironclad relationship between
the Navy and industrial partners who form the backbone of our
maritime strength. While this submarine has the capacity to project
power on the surface and undersea, it’s important to recognize the
people in every stage of bringing this ship to life because our
people make a difference. Montana is proof of what teamwork of all
the people – civilian, contractor and military – can accomplish
together.”
PCU Montana is the second Navy warship bearing the state’s name.
The first USS Montana (ACR-13) was an armored cruiser built at
Newport News Shipbuilding and launched in 1906. During the
ceremony, a replica of the bell that sailed on the first Montana
was rung. The bell will be formally presented to the crew at the
ship’s commissioning, and will be part of the submarine for its
entire service life.
“Today is an exciting day for the Navy and the crew as our
sponsor christened the Navy's newest Virginia-class submarine, the
Montana,” said Capt. Mike Delaney, commanding officer of the
pre-commissioning unit. “While the coronavirus precluded most of
the crew's participation in this ceremony, it in no way diminishes
the great accomplishment. I couldn't be prouder of the way the crew
of Montana alongside our shipbuilding partners have adapted to the
new normal and focused on responsibly living up to our mission.
This is not all too surprising given the innate resiliency and
toughness I've seen my whole career in the submarine force. This
submarine, like all the individuals who have contributed to getting
it to this major milestone, will stand as a reflection of strength
through adversity.”
Three of Montana’s crew members hail from the state of
Montana.
Construction of Montana began in 2015 under a teaming agreement
with Electric Boat. The submarine achieved pressure hull complete
earlier this year, and is about 85% complete. Montana is scheduled
for delivery to the Navy in late 2021.
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
supports national security missions around the globe with unmanned
systems, defense and federal solutions, and nuclear and
environmental services. Headquartered in Newport News, Virginia,
HII employs more than 42,000 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: www.twitter.com/hiindustries
- HII on YouTube: www.youtube.com/huntingtoningalls
- HII on Instagram: www.instagram.com/huntingtoningalls
Contact:
Duane BourneDuane.A.Bourne@hii-co.com(757) 380-3581
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