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US Navy christens USS Mississippi, Virginia Class Submarine in Groton

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World Naval Forces News - USA
 
 
 
US Navy christens USS Mississippi, Virginia Class Submarine in Groton
 
Pre-Commissioning Unit Mississippi (SSN 782) sponsor Ms. Allison Stiller christened the ninth Virginia-class submarine during a ceremony at General Dynamics Electric Boat, Dec. 3. During her remarks, Stiller mentioned today marked the 38th christening that she has attended, but emphasized how special the day was for her. "All of the christenings have been special, but this will be the most special one that I will be a part of," said Stiller. "The ship may be made of steel and fiber and the finest technology, but the crew is what is most important."

Stiller christened the Virginia-class submarine with sparkling wine. Similar practices became a popular tradition as the 19th century ended, according to the Navy's History and Heritage Command. The first such occasion was when a granddaughter of Secretary of the Navy Benjamin P. Tracy used a bottle of champagne to christen Maine, the Navy's first steel battleship, at the New York Navy Yard, Nov. 18, 1890.

Keeping with tradition, 121 years later, the Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, a native of Mississippi, attended and spoke at the christening. He discussed the day's significance for the Nation, the great state of Mississippi, the Navy, and the Virginia-class submarine program.

"For the men and women who built Mississippi and those who crew her, it is your work that proves an effective partnership between Navy and Industry can keep costs under control," said Mabus.
     
Pre-Commissioning Unit Mississippi (SSN 782) sponsor Ms. Allison Stiller christened the ninth Virginia-class submarine during a ceremony at General Dynamics Electric Boat, Dec. 3. During her remarks, Stiller mentioned today marked the 38th christening that she has attended, but emphasized how special the day was for her. "All of the christenings have been special, but this will be the most special one that I will be a part of," said Stiller. "The ship may be made of steel and fiber and the finest technology, but the crew is what is most important."
Artist Impression of a Virginia class submarine under water
(picture: US Navy)

     
Virginia-class submarines are built under a unique teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries - Newport News. Construction on the submarine began in February 2007 and will be commissioned in June 2012.

Once commissioned in 2012, Mississippi, like all Virginia-class submarines is designed to dominate both the littorals and deep oceans. It will serve as a valuable asset in supporting the core capabilities of Maritime Strategy, sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence.