Keel Authentications

SAN DEIGO, CA.  The keel laying ceremony for the future USNS Harriet Tubman (T-AO-213) — the ninth ship in the U.S. Navy’s John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler program — took place on June 18, 2026 at General Dynamics NASSCO’s shipyard in San Diego .

The event was attended by Ernestine “Tina” Martin Wyatt, the three-time great-grandniece of Harriet Tubman, who served as the ship’s sponsor. She welded her initials onto a steel plate that will become part of the vessel’s structure, symbolically linking her family’s legacy to the ship’s foundation.

Picture and text contributed by NASSCO

The keel for the future USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg (T-AO 212), a John Lewis-class replenishment oiler, was authenticated at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard on February 13, 2026.

The keel for the US Navy’s future USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg (T-AO 212), a John Lewis-class replenishment oiler, was authenticated at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard on February 13, 2026.

Keel laying authentication ceremonies are a centuries-old tradition marking a significant construction milestone where a ship transitions from design to reality.

The ship’s namesake, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, was an advocate for justice who served on the U.S. Supreme Court for 27 years. The keel was authenticated when the ship’s sponsor, Jane Ginsburg, daughter of the late Justice, welded her initials onto a steel plate. This plate will be permanently affixed to the ship’s hull, remaining with the vessel throughout its entire service.

“This keel laying marks the first of many significant milestones for this ship and we are excited to bring this vessel to the Fleet,” said John Lighthammer , program manager, Auxiliary and Special Mission Shipbuilding Program Office.

John Lewis-class replenishment oilers are a critical component of the Navy’s Combat Logistics Force. These 227.3-meter vessels are engineered to provide robust support, with the capacity to carry up to 162,000 barrels of diesel ship fuel, jet fuel, and other cargo.

Operated by the Military Sealift Command, these ships enable the navy’s warships to remain at sea for extended periods, providing the fuel, supplies, and provisions necessary to sustain global missions.

Credit to US Navy and NASSCO for picture and article.

PASCAGOULA, Miss., Oct. 23, 2025 — HII’s (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding authenticated the keel today of Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer Thad Cochran (DDG 135). The ship honors Thad Cochran, a Navy veteran and former U.S. senator who represented Mississippi from 1978 to 2018. Ceremony attendees included Cochran’s wife and ship sponsor Kay Bowen Webber Cochran and Ingalls shipbuilders.

Thad Cochran was an unwavering supporter of the U.S. military. Throughout Cochran’s career, he championed critical national security priorities, secured essential defense funding for shipbuilding nationwide and in Mississippi, and held a pivotal role in delivering billions in recovery aid to Mississippi following Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

“Senator Cochran’s leadership and steadfast support for Mississippi, including ensuring that Ingalls shipbuilders remained at the heart of America’s naval strength, laid the foundation for the strong program of work that continues at Ingalls today,” said Brian Blanchette Ingalls Shipbuilding president. “Our shipbuilders remain committed to delivering the most powerful destroyers to the U.S. Navy and I look forward to the day DDG 135 sails from Pascagoula, carrying the name, strength and legacy of Senator Thad Cochran.”

Ingalls Structural Welder Thomas Ward welded the initials of two authenticators — the ship sponsor and wife of the namesake Kay Bowen Webber Cochran, and George Nungesser, a 37-year and second generation shipbuilder and soon to be retired vice president of program management — onto a steel plate, signifying the keel of DDG 135 to be “truly and fairly laid.” The plate will be affixed to the ship and remain there throughout its lifetime.

“Today’s ceremony is a momentous occasion that Thad would have cherished deeply, especially knowing a ship named in his honor was being built at the very shipyard he advocated for in the Senate,” Kay Cochran said. “To all the outstanding shipbuilders working on this destroyer, your work is essential. I am proud to witness your craftsmanship, knowing that Thad’s legacy of service and commitment to our nation will be embodied in this vessel for decades to come.”

Thad Cochran (DDG 135) is one of five Flight III destroyers currently under construction at Ingalls and represents the next generation of surface combatants for the U.S. Navy incorporating a number of design modifications that collectively provide significantly enhanced capability. To date, Ingalls has delivered 35 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers including the first Flight III, USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125), and is currently constructing Ted Stevens (DDG 128), which recently completed its first builder’s sea trials and is currently underway for its second trials, Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129), George M. Neal (DDG 131), Sam Nunn (DDG 133) and Thad Cochran (DDG 135).

As the largest manufacturing employer in Mississippi, Ingalls Shipbuilding has designed, built and maintained amphibious ships and destroyers for the U.S. Navy for over 86 years.

Picture and article provided by HII

USNS Lenni Lenape is the sixth Bollinger-Built T-ATS

Houma, La. — Joined by senior U.S. Navy officials and more than 20 officials from the Lenape Nation at Bollinger Houma, Bollinger Shipyards (Bollinger) today officially laid the keel for the future USNS Lenni Lenape, the ninth Navajo-class Towing, Salvage, and Rescue Ship (T-ATS) and the sixth T-ATS vessel being constructed by Bollinger since acquiring the program in April of 2021.

“Bollinger is grateful for the Navy’s continued confidence in our team to build the Navajo-class Towing, Salvage and Rescue Ships,” said Ben Bordelon, President and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards. “The keel laying of the future USNS Lenni Lenape marks another significant milestone in our partnership, and we are honored to support the Navy’s fleet modernization efforts through the T-ATS program.”

The keel authenticators were the Hon. Susan Cade, Elder of the Delaware Tribe of Indians, the Hon. Deborah Dotson, Committee Member of the Delaware Nation, and the Hon. Shannon Holsey, President of the Stockbridge-Munsee Community.

Named to honor the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania, the future USNS Lenni Lenape (T-ATS 9) will be the first naval vessel to carry the name of the Lenni Lenape tribe, which was the first tribe to sign a treaty with the United States in 1778.

The Navajo class provides ocean-going tug, salvage, and rescue capabilities to support fleet operations. T-ATS replaces and fulfills the capabilities that were previously provided by the Powhatan-class Fleet Ocean Tug (T-ATF 166) and Safeguard-class Rescue and Salvage Ships (T-ARS 50) class ships.

In addition to T-ATS 9, Bollinger is constructing USNS Navajo (T-ATS 6), USNS Cherokee Nation (T-ATS 7), USNS Saginaw Ojibwe Anishinabek (T-ATS 8), and USNS Muscogee Creek Nation (T-ATS 10).

Photo and article provided by Bollinger Shipyard

GROTON, Conn. – The keel for the future USS Wisconsin (SSBN 827), a Columbia-class submarine, was laid during a ceremony on Aug. 27, 2025 at the General Dynamics Electric Boat Quonset Point facility in Kingstown, Rhode Island.

The keel laying ceremony signifies a major milestone in the life of a ship as it begins to transition from design to reality. The future Wisconsin will be the second Columbia-class submarine, following the future USS District of Columbia (SSBN 826).

“Our ballistic missile submarines are the most survivable leg of our nation’s nuclear triad; they are the ultimate guarantee that no adversary will ever miscalculate America’s resolve,” said Adm. William Houston, Director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, in his keynote remarks. “From this keel, the Wisconsin will rise—an intricate structure of power, precision, and purpose. And just as the keel bears the weight of the ship, this vessel bears the weight of our nation’s most solemn responsibility: to deter war and preserve peace through strength.”

Houston directly addressed the workforce charged with building this intricate submarine. “To our shipbuilders, engineers and suppliers: your craftsmanship makes this possible,” said Houston. “You are laying not just a keel, but the foundation of security for generations to come.”

The submarine’s sponsor is Dr. Kelly Geurts, a retired educator and military spouse. Her husband, the Honorable James Geurts, is a former Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition.

This is the third Navy ship to bear the name Wisconsin. The original Wisconsin (BB-9), an Illinois-class pre-Dreadnought battleship, was commissioned in 1901 and served as the flagship of the Pacific fleet until 1903. In 1908 the ship joined the Atlantic fleet for the trans-pacific leg of the Great White Fleet and was decommissioned in 1920.

Wisconsin (BB-64), an Iowa-class battleship, was commissioned in April 1944. The ship served in combat in the Pacific, notably at the Philippines, Iwo Jima, Okinawa and the final bombardments in Japan. Wisconsin was decommissioned after World War II and was later recommissioned for the Korean War serving until 1958. The ship was recommissioned once more in 1988 to participate in the Persian Gulf War before being decommissioned a final time, in 1991. The ship now operates as a museum battleship at Nauticus Berthing in Norfolk, Virginia.

The keel laying of future USS Wisconsin (SSBN 827) symbolizes the Navy's 250-year commitment to innovation and maritime dominance. From seabed to space, the Navy delivers power for peace – always ready to fight and win. This milestone marks the Navy's enduring legacy and commitment to shaping the future of maritime power.

Columbia-class submarines will replace the U.S. Navy’s Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines. The Navy's ballistic missile submarines, often referred to as "boomers," serve as an undetectable launch platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles. They are designed specifically for stealth and to provide an ensured second-strike capability forming the backbone of the Nation’s strategic deterrence strategy.

Photo and Article provided by the Naval Sea Systems Command

The keel for the future USS Quentin Walsh (DDG 132), an Arleigh Burke-class Flight III guided missile destroyer, was laid during a ceremony on May 20, 2025 at Bath Iron Works (BIW).

The keel laying represents the start of a ship’s construction. During the ceremony, the keel is authenticated when the ship’s sponsor welds their initials into the keel plate, with the assistance of a BIW welder.

The ship’s sponsor is Madison Ann Zolper, great-granddaughter of the ship’s namesake, Coast Guard Capt. Quentin R. Walsh, who was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions during World War II.

Walsh received the Navy Cross for his leadership during the 1944 Battle of Cherbourg, where his 53-man reconnaissance unit captured 750 German soldiers and liberated 52 American prisoners of war. After World War II, he served during the Korean War and held various roles at Coast Guard headquarters. After his Coast Guard career, he worked as a teacher and parole officer in Maryland and became known for his dedication to community preservation.

“We are honored to mark the beginning of the construction for the future USS Quentin Walsh and celebrate his legacy with his family,” said Capt. Jay Young, Arleigh Burke-class Destroyer program manager, Program Executive Office, Ships (PEO Ships). “DDG 132 will provide our Navy with critical strategic capabilities to support Fleet readiness.”

Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyers feature the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar and incorporate upgrades to the electrical power and cooling capacity plus additional associated changes to provide enhanced warfighting capability to the fleet.

The keel laying of future USS Quentin Walsh (DDG 132) symbolizes the Navy’s 250-year commitment to innovation and maritime dominance. From seabed to space, the Navy delivers power for peace – always ready to fight and win. This milestone marks the Navy’s enduring legacy and commitment to shaping the future of maritime power.

Article and photo credited to the Naval Sea Systems Command

SAN DIEGO – The keel for the future USNS Thurgood Marshall (T-AO 211), a John Lewis-class Replenishment Oiler, was laid during a ceremony on Dec 5, 2024 at General Dynamics (GD) NASSCO.

The ship’s namesake, former Justice Thurgood Marshall, was the first African American justice to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. As an Associate Justice for nearly 25 years, Marshall fought for affirmative action, opposed the death penalty, and supported a woman's right to choose. Prior to becoming a Justice, Marshall was a civil rights lawyer, who argued cases against racial disparity. Marshall argued a variety of civil and human rights cases including; Smith v. Allwright, which found that states could not exclude Black voters from primaries; Shelley v. Kraemer, which struck down race-based restrictive housing covenants; and Brown V. Board of Education where the Supreme Court ruled that racially segregating children in public schools was unconstitutional.

“Thurgood Marshall's legacy is one of unwavering courage, intellectual brilliance, and an unyielding commitment to justice,” said Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro. “His efforts helped to shape a more equitable society—and the future USNS Thurgood Marshall will carry that legacy forward.”

Each keel laying ceremony represents the joining together of the ship’s modular components at land level. During the ceremony, the keel will be authenticated by the ship’s sponsors welding their initials into the keel plate. The ship’s sponsors are Justice Marshall’s granddaughters, Cecilla L. Marshall and Melonie Tibbs, and his granddaughter-in-law, Alissa Kamens Marshall.

“USNS Thurgood Marshall honors the legacy of an extraordinary civil and human rights leader who is an example of perseverance to all,” said John Lighthammer, Program Executive Office, Ships (PEO Ships) program manager for Auxiliary and Special Mission Ships. “This keel laying marks the first of many significant milestones for this ship and we will work with a sense of urgency to deliver this ship to the Fleet.”

John Lewis-class ships (T-AOs) are operated by Military Sealift Command and feature substantial volume for oil; significant dry cargo capacity; and aviation capability. T-AOs provide additional capacity to the Navy’s Combat Logistics Force and are a cornerstone of the Navy’s fuel delivery system.

Article and photo courtesy of Naval Sea Systems Command

PASCAGOULA, Miss. – The keel for the future USS Sam Nunn (DDG 133), an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, was laid during a ceremony on Nov. 22, 2024 at HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division.

The ship is named in honor of United States Senator Samuel Augustus Nunn Jr, who represented the state of Georgia served as Chairman of both the United States Senate Committee on Armed Services and the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.

As the living namesake, Sen. Nunn attended the keel laying ceremony alongside his daughter and ship’s sponsor, Michelle Nunn.

A keel laying ceremony represents the joining together of the ship’s first major modular components at land level. During the ceremony, the keel is authenticated when a welder etches the initials of the ship’s sponsor into the keel plate. In addition to Ms. Nunn’s initials, Sen. Nunn’s initials were also etched into the plate.

“The future USS Sam Nunn and all who sail aboard her will honor the legacy of Sen. Nunn and his dedication to the men and women serving our country,” said Capt. Seth Miller, DDG 51 class program manager, Program Executive Office, Ships (PEO Ships). “DDG 133 will be yet another player on the field providing the most advanced capability to our Navy and the nation."

Article and picture provided by Naval Sea Systems Command

MARINETTE, Wisc. – The U.S. Navy marked a significant construction milestone for the first Constellation-class guided-missile frigate (FFG 62) with a keel laying ceremony at Fincantieri Marinette Marine, April 12 2024. The event signifies the formal beginning of the future USS Constellation’s construction process. FFG-62 is the lead ship of the Constellation-class program, the Navy’s next generation small surface combatant.

The Constellation-class Frigate program brings new capabilities to the fleet and represents a crucial step forward in the Navy's efforts to modernize and enhance maritime capabilities. Designed to operate in multiple domains, FFG-62 will play a pivotal role in bolstering national security and advancing naval operations worldwide.

Laying the keel, a longstanding tradition in shipbuilding, commemorates the start of a ship’s life and serves as the symbolic backbone of the ship.

U.S. Navy, government and industry leaders, alongside shipbuilders and the ship’s sponsor, Ms. Melissa Braithwaite, gathered in Marinette to witness the historic occasion, underscoring the collaborative efforts driving the success of the Constellation-class program.

"Today's ceremony symbolizes the dedication and skill of the shipbuilders and personnel involved in the construction of FFG-62,” said Rear Adm. Kevin Smith, Program Executive Officer (PEO) Unmanned and Small Combatants. “As we lay the foundation for this formidable vessel, we reaffirm our commitment to delivering a technologically advanced platform that will support the Navy's mission for decades to come."

Capt. Andy Gold, program manager of the Constellation-class Frigate program emphasized the significance of the event. "Laying the keel of the future USS Constellation marks a pivotal moment in not only the life of the ship, but for the whole class to follow,” Gold said. “Much as the original six frigates relied on a strong oak keel to perform their mission, so too does FFG-62’s keel signify a foundation of advanced capabilities, versatility and strength, all necessary to provide maritime superiority in an era of evolving threats." 

Article and picture provided by Naval Sea Systems Command

HOUMA, La. – A keel laying ceremony for the future USNS Muscogee Creek Nation (T-ATS 10), the fifth ship of the Navy’s Navajo class of Towing, Salvage, and Rescue vessels was held at Bollinger Houma Shipyards, Mar. 20.

Sponsors Geri Wisner, Attorney General of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation; Nicole Foster, wife of Rear Admiral Calvin Foster; and Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David Hill attended to authenticate the keel. Members of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation were also in attendance.

The keel laying ceremony formally marks the start of a ship’s life and the joining of the ship’s modular components. The keel serves as the symbolic backbone of the ship.

During the ceremony, the keel authenticators watched a welder etch their initials into the keel plate and declared it to be “truly and fairly laid.”

“We are honored to have representatives of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation here to celebrate this milestone with us,” said Program Executive Office, Ships Auxiliary and Special Mission Ships Program Manager, John Lighthammer. “The ship is critical to the operations of our fleet. Today’s ceremony is a reminder of the pride and determination of the Muscogee people it is named to honor.”

The Navajo class of ships will provide ocean-going tug, salvage, and rescue capabilities to support Fleet operations. The 10 ships are intended to provide continuity of capability following on after the Powhatan and Safeguard classes of vessels, which are nearing the end of their expected service lives.

Navajo-class ships will be capable of towing U.S. Navy ships and will have 6,000 square feet of deck space for embarked systems. The platform will be 263 feet long, have a beam of 59 feet, and will be able to carry a load of nearly 2,000 tons.

Picture courtesy of Naval Sea Systems Command and Bollinger Shipyard