CHRISTENING OF ARKANSAS (SSN 800)

On December 7, 2024, under sunny skies but with cold winds blowing in from the James River and Chesapeake Bay, some 4,000 guests and workers from Newport News Shipbuilding anxiously watched the huge count-down clock as they awaited the beginning of the christening ceremony of the ARKANSAS (SSN 800). And, as the guests waited, they were treated to a poignant audio-visual presentation on the jumbo screen depicting the bravery and legacy of the Little Rock Nine, all young teenagers, who helped desegregate Little Rock Central High School in 1957. “How far we came, because of them.”

Although the ceremony honored all nine students of the group, the following six women were named sponsors by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus in 2018: Elizabeth Eckford, Melba P. Beals, PhD, Gloria Ray Karlmark, Carlotta Walls Lanier, Minnijean Brown Trickey and Thelma Mothershed Wair. On the platform, Carlotta, Elizabeth and Gloria represented the group, with the ARKANSAS, in her patriotic red, white and blue christening attire, prominently displayed behind them in the construction bay.

Jennifer Boykin, President, NNS, welcomed guests and lauded the quality work of the shipbuilding team as the ceremony is also a celebration of “their unwavering commitment to excellence…” She added,” How fitting it is to host this christening on December 7th, a date defined by acts of bravery that changed our world.” Similarly, she pointed out that the bravery, determination and resilience of the Little Rock Nine, all now Congressional Gold Medal recipients, changed the world.

In addition to the sponsors, the state of Arkansas was well represented at the ceremony. The Mountain Home Bomber Battalion NJROTC presented the parade of colors. Mavis Echols, a project management analyst for NNS and a native of Arkansas sang the National Anthem.

Congressional House of Representative’s French Hill (AK) praised the Little Rock Nine for their roles in ending the “horrible concept of separate but equal.” He pointed out that the sailors of the ARKANSAS will soon defend the civil rights, for which the Nine fought, around the globe and under the sea. This ARKANSAS is the 5th naval vessel to bear the name of the state and the 27th in a series of Virginia Class submarines. The Prospective Commanding Officer is Commander Michael Huber.

AND, there was more Arkansas; Newport News Shipbuilding gifted guests with an Arkansas Blanket (a very welcome blanket considering the weather) folded neatly in their seats and featuring some landmarks and elements representing the state. Those included the ARKANSAS in the river under the Junction Railroad Truss Bridge, the Ozark Mountains, the skyline of downtown Little Rock and the “Little Rock” first identified in 1722 by a French explorer and the origin of the capital city’s name.

Other speakers included the Mayor of Newport News Phillip Jones who praised the sponsors. He concluded, “Your legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that courage and determination can have in the face of adversity. You continue to inspire and remind of us that the fight for justice and equality is ongoing.”

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro praised the shipyard workers and added that the ARKANSAS (SSN 800) represents “the very best of our submarine force capabilities. She will always be propelled by the proud legacy of her namesake, represented here today by three of her courageous sponsors, who overcame tremendous adversity as members of the Little Rock Nine.”

Then Secretary Del Toro and President Boykin escorted the three sponsors to the christening platform high above the guests. With a perfect swing, and on the first try, Corlotta Walls Lanier, on behalf of all the sponsors, broke a bottle of American made sparkling wine across the bow of the submarine after proclaiming, “I christen Thee United States Ship ARKANSAS. May God bless this submarine and all those who sail in her.” The crowd cheered as flumes of bubbles filled the air.

Back at the podium, Carlotta spoke from the heart about the tumultuous 1957-58 school year and how proud and honored they are to be sponsors. She spoke of the bravery of her parents, all the parents, who sent their children to Central High School each day for a year with military escorts, knowing they would be taunted and threatened. She acknowledged the work of the shipbuilders of ARKANSAS and the sailors who will sail her. She said that the sponsors “… know that we cannot understand the depth of your knowledge and your skill, but we can appreciate it. We are honored and humbled to have a role in this sponsorship.” (Gloria Ray Karlmark gave an equally moving speech at the sponsors’ dinner as did Elizabeth Eckford at the keel laying.)

Newport News Shipbuilding President Jennifer Boykin announced that she was retiring in 2025. Having come up through the ranks, she would miss all the romance of shipbuilding like the smell of diesel and the smell of welding fitting parts together. Her love of her job, her attention to detail and her efficiency were apparent at each ceremony she oversaw. The Society wishes her fair winds and following seas.

Contributed by Janet Gehman

Author: Martha Hill

website admin & member