societyofsponsorsofusn Keel Authentications

Keel Laying of future USNS HARRIET TUBMAN (TAO-213)

Allison Stiller — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 17:00:00 GMT

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

Keel Laying of the Future USNS RUTH BADER GINSBERG (TAO-212)

Allison Stiller — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 18:00:00 GMT

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.

Keel Laying of the future USS THAD COCHRAN (DDG 135)

Allison Stiller — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 17:00:00 GMT

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

Keel Laying of the Future USNS LENNI LENAPE (TATS-9)

Allison Stiller — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 17:00:00 GMT

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

Keel Laying of the Future USS FALLUJAH (LHA 9)

Allison Stiller — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 17:00:00 GMT

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (Sept. 20, 2023) — HII’s (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division authenticated the keel today for the America-class amphibious ship Fallujah (LHA 9). The ship’s sponsor, Donna Berger, former first lady of the Marine Corps and spouse of Gen. David H. Berger, 38th commandant of the Marine Corps, was in attendance to declare the keel “truly and fairly laid.” During the authentication ceremony Ingalls Welder Seveta Gray welded the initials of the sponsor onto a ceremonial keel plate that will remain with the ship throughout its life. “Ingalls is honored to mark this important milestone with our shipbuilders and so many of our critical partners here today,” Ingalls Shipbuilding President Kari Wilkinson said. “Whether representing namesake, customer, community or shipyard, today’s keel event demonstrates the unique connection we have to one another through this industry and through our respective devotion to service.” Ingalls was pleased to host Under Secretary of the Navy Erik Raven who also provided remarks at the ceremony. “The USS Fallujah, like her predecessors the USS America, USS Tripoli and USS Bougainville, will one day join the amphibious fleet, and serve as the centerpiece for amphibious ready groups and Marine Expeditionary Units,” Raven said. “L-class ships like the future USS Fallujah make our Navy and Marine Corps a potent fighting team, forward-postured around the globe, ready to respond to crisis and disaster.” The future USS Fallujah (LHA 9) is the fourth America-class large-deck amphibious assault ship built at Ingalls Shipbuilding and the second ship in the class to be built with a well deck. Similar to Bougainville, Fallujah will retain the aviation capability of the America-class design while adding the surface assault capability of a well deck and a larger flight deck configured for F-35B Joint Strike Fighter and MV-22 Osprey aircraft. These large-deck amphibious assault ships also include top-of-the-line medical facilities with full operating suites and triage capabilities. The America class is a multi-functional and versatile ship that is capable of operating in a high density, multi-threat environment as an integral member of an expeditionary strike group, an amphibious task force or an amphibious ready group.

Photo and text courtesy of HII

Keel Laying commemorated for third ship in Gerald R. Ford-Class, the future USS Enterprise (CVN 80)

Site Administrator — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 23:59:38 GMT

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – With the words, “I hereby declare the keel of the United States Ship Enterprise truly and fairly laid,” Olympians Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky chalked their initials on respective steel plates, which were then embossed by skilled welders and affixed to the keel of the future USS Enterprise (CVN 80), Saturday at the HII-Newport News Shipyard (NNS), in Newport News, Va.

Ledecky attended the historic keel laying ceremony for the nation’s most advanced aircraft carrier in person, while Biles participated via a pre-recorded message from the World Champions Center in Spring, Texas. Five years earlier, on Aug. 24, 2017, Biles and Ledecky attended CVN 80’s First Cut of Steel ceremony, marking the initial major construction milestone for the Enterprise—the third ship in the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)-class of aircraft carriers.

On Saturday, after NNS welders Ephony King and Jonathan Rishor finished welding the athletes’ initials on small, steel plates, NNS Lead Rigger, Mike “Chile” Williams, passed a radio to Ledecky, who gave the command for NNS Crane Operator Charlie Holloway to lower the 688-ton keel unit into the dry-dock. This section of the ship will support the forward half of the Enterprise, when the CVN 80 is fully assembled. The ceremonial plates will be affixed permanently to the ship’s keel.

Work on the Enterprise has been progressing on schedule, since NNS loaded the Enterprise’s keel unit during the ship’s first “super-lift,” on April 5th, 2022. With the first main structural member in place, workers have continued erecting the aircraft carrier in the dry dock by joining together a series of pre-outfitted modules.

“This is a significant milestone for the ship and the class,” said Rear Adm. James P. Downey, program executive officer for aircraft carriers (PEO CV). “The shipyard has taken lessons from building USS Gerald R. Ford and John F. Kennedy and applied them directly to constructing Enterprise. Our industry partners are applying the best practices of Integrated Digital Shipbuilding into the process, and that enables efficiencies, both in terms of cost and schedule.”

Capt. Brian Metcalf, who leads the Gerald R. Ford-Class New Construction Program Office, offered examples of the ship’s many construction efficiencies. “Procuring CVN 80 and CVN 81 as part of a two-ship buy has already allowed us to realize efficiencies in the early construction process. And building the aircraft carrier with fewer, but larger, pre-outfitted super-lifts has been a major improvement that contributes to streamlining the construction of CVN 80 over previous Ford-class hulls.”

CVN 80’s dry-dock erection program, for example, comprises 131 such super-lifts. In comparison, crews erected USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) by means of 162 super-lifts, and the Future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) with 155.

Future USS Enterprise will be the ninth U.S. Navy warship to bear the name, with the first being a sloop-of-war, commissioned in 1775, after her capture from the British during the American War of Independence. The last Enterprise (CVN 65), served as the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier from 1961–2017, and is currently moored nearby in the shipyard awaiting the results of an environmental impact statement and a Navy decision on disposal options.

The Enterprise Legacy

On hand to honor the legacy that unites builders and sailors during the keel laying celebration was 99-year-old, retired Chief Petty Officer Bill Norberg, who served as chief yeoman on board USS Enterprise (CV 6) during the entirety of World War II. Norberg witnessed, firsthand, countless pivotal moments during the War in the Pacific, including the Doolittle Raid launched from the USS Hornet (CV 8) and the Battle of Midway. Norberg’s ‘Enterprise’ was the seventh combatant to carry the name.

Kevin Cormier, acting executive director for PEO Aircraft Carriers, noted that Norberg represents the link between CV 6 and CVN 80. “Shipbuilding and maintenance is a tough, enduring business. And the task of readying combatants that serve the sailor and meet the challenge of the seas is more critical than ever.”

Cormier added, “Chief Norberg’s service and his consummate humility is what our business is all about—a chain that endures because of the efforts of sailors and our ship designers and builders to construct, sustain, and support the nation’s aircraft carrier fleet throughout a ship’s entire service life, from design and construction to inactivation and disposal.” In his dual-hatted role, Cormier also serves as deputy program manager for the Gerald R. Ford-Class New Construction Program Office.

Ceremony Attendees

Under Secretary of the Navy Erik K. Raven delivered the keynote address and spoke poignantly on the significance of the occasion. “The power of this ceremony—at this shipyard, in our country, on this day—is to mark another ship’s life being started to serve more generations of Americans, service members, friends, families, leaders, partners, and allies.”

Raven added, “Fittingly, in the presence of the previous Big E, we now lay the keel of the next Enterprise—the newest future naval warship, CVN 80.”

Raven also noted that 2022 marks 100 years of carrier-based aviation. He said that while the USS Langley (CV 1) began on 20 March 1922 as an experimental platform, it soon “proved to be the catalyst of a revolution, changing the way we fought at sea and expanding the Navy’s reach. The aircraft carrier became an icon and is recognized world-wide as a beacon of both strength and hope and an undeniable representation of U.S. diplomacy. And the future Enterprise will be another sure symbol of our commitment to protecting freedom on the oceans and around the world.”

Raven assumed the responsibilities of the Under Secretary of the Navy on April 13, 2022. He serves as the Department of Navy’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Management Officer.

Adm. Daryl Caudle, Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, explained during his remarks that “Enterprise will be key to advancing the idea of integrated deterrence through its enhanced capabilities, including its unmatched mobility and range; advanced combat and control and communication systems; it’s life-of-ship nuclear power plant; and, perhaps most important, its ability to deliver the most robust and lethal next-generation strike aircraft at unprecedented pace and persistency.”

Other distinguished visitors included Congressional Representatives Rob Wittman, (R-VA, 1st District); Elaine Luria (D-VA, 2nd District); and Bobby Scott, (D-VA, 3rd District).

The Navy-Industry team on hand to commemorate Enterprise’s keel-laying included Jennifer Boykin, president, Newport News Shipbuilding; RADM John Meier, Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic; RADM James P. Downey, PEO CV; and Capt. Hannah Kriewaldt, Commanding Officer, Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Newport News.

Boykin, who served as master of ceremonies, recognized members of the audience, including HII President and CEO Chris Kastner, Newport News Mayor, McKinley Price; Ann Zumwalt, representing

the Society of Sponsors of the United States Navy; suppliers from the Aircraft Carrier Industrial Base Coalition (ACIBC); as well as veterans who served aboard previous Enterprise ships.

Ship Sponsors

The ship’s sponsors are internationally renowned. Ledecky is a three-time Olympian, participating in the 2012, 2016, 2020 Games, earning 10 medals. Her seven Olympic Gold medals and 15 World Championship Gold medals are the most for any female swimmer. Ledecky has broken 14 World Records and 37 American Records during her career. And in June, Ledecky made history when she became the first swimmer to win five consecutive world championship titles in an individual event.

Biles is the most decorated U.S. women’s gymnast, with 32 World/Olympic medals. She competed in two Olympic Games, 2016 and 2020, earning seven Olympic medals—the most won by a U.S. gymnast. Biles received the Presidential Medal of Freedom on July 7, 2022 for her work as an advocate for mental health awareness.

With Ledecky’s parents, David and Mary Gen (Hagan) Ledecky, in the audience, the world champion swimmer spoke about everyday workers as the nation’s real heroes: “often unrecognized…who work in very difficult and all-consuming jobs, where things are created and built…and where our health, our society, and our freedoms are protected.” Ledecky thanked the shipyard workers, and said, “By helping to keep our military strong, you are helping to keep our country safe.”

Ledecky also reflected on the service of her late grandfather, Edward Jordan Hagan, M.D., who served with the 1st Marine Division as a combat surgeon “in some of the worst battles” in the Pacific during World War II, and recognized the sacrifices of the shipbuilders, service members, and their families.

She talked about the importance of endurance, fortitude, and consistency in swimming and in life, traits reflected in her favorite training mantras: “Take the lead, keep the lead”; and “No shortcuts.”

Ledecky said, “It’s apparent to me that even as these shipbuilders work with great efficiency—another key in swimming, to complete each task, no shortcuts are being taken to ensure that the “Big E” lives up to its great reputation.” Ledecky encouraged the “Big E” family to “keep the end-goal in mind while celebrating the small victories of your teammates …and encourage each other along the way.”

Co-ship sponsor Simone Biles, speaking in a taped message from her home gym in Spring, Texas, said she was proud to be part of the Enterprise legacy and to celebrate the next big milestone on the ship’s way toward christening and delivery.

The Gerald R. Ford-class

Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers displace approximately 100,000 tons and are 1,092 feet in length, with a beam of 124 feet; and can operate at more than 30 knots. Designed to be operated by a smaller crew than previous aircraft carrier, each Ford-class ship will afford significant savings in total ownership costs during a 50-year service life, when compared to the Nimitz-class ships they are designed to replace.

The future USS Enterprise is scheduled to replace the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), which is currently slated for inactivation in 2029.

Keel Laying of the Future USS DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (SSBN 826)

Allison Stiller — Sat, 04 Jun 2022 17:00:00 GMT

Keel laying is an event in which the initials of the boat’s sponsor are welded onto a plate attached to the submarine, signifying a major milestone in the construction of a boat.

District of Columbia is the first Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine being constructed in the minimum 12-ship class, which will replace the existing 14 Ohio-class nuclear-ballistic submarine force due to begin retiring from service in 2027.

Adm. Daryl Caudle, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, highlighted the significance of ballistic missile submarines as the most survivable leg of the U.S. military’s nuclear triad.

“As every ballistic-missile submarine has since the keel laying of USS George Washington (SSBN 598) here at Electric Boat in November 1958 – the District of Columbia, and all those in its class will continue to serve as the most survivable leg of the nuclear triad – standing constant watch far beneath the waves, as we have done for over 63 years – a stalwart deterrent against those who would seek to do the unspeakable,” said Caudle.

Caudle also spoke on the keel laying of District of Columbia as a historic occasion in ensuring American’s freedom and way of life for the foreseeable future.

“Laying the keel of the future USS District of Columbia truly is a historic occasion – not only for the countless designers, welders, metal workers, electricians, and master craftsmen whose unmatched expertise, ingenuity, hard work, and dedication will bring this modern marvel to life – but for the future Sailors who will prowl the deep inside her hull, protecting our nation, deterring strategic attacks, and ensuring our freedom and way of life for decades to come,” said Caudle.

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, the event’s principal speaker, echoed Caudle’s sentiment on the importance of the Columbia-class being the largest, most capable and most advanced submarine produced by the U.S. as an insurance policy.

“As Admiral Caudle detailed, the Columbia class will be the cornerstone of our strategic deterrence, the ultimate guarantor of our National Security,” said Del Toro. “Our strategic submarines represent approximately 70 percent of America’s deployed nuclear arsenal.”

Del Toro continued to speak on the need to modernize our Submarine Force to ensure the safety and security of the world.

“Potential adversaries know the silent service is on patrol at this very moment, but they don’t know where and that protects us all,” said Del Toro. “The venerable Ohio-class that has guarded us for decades is nearing the end of its service life. For the safety of our Sailors, and the security of our world, we must modernize our fleet, and our nuclear command, control, and communications systems.”

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), the boat’s sponsor and the delegate to the House of Representatives from the ship’s name, the District of Columbia, attended the ceremony. Her initials were welded onto a plate by Electric Boat welder Maria Betance-Pizarro. “As a third-generation Washingtonian, I am excited and honored to be the sponsor of the future USS Columbia,” said Norton. “I look forward to meeting and establishing relationships with the men and women who will serve aboard her.”

The U.S. Navy, alongside Electric Boat, began the conceptual designs for Columbia in 2007 as a replacement for the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines. The Columbia-class will carry 16 missiles each, which in total represents approximately 70 percent of the U.S. nuclear triad.

The Columbia-class remains the Navy’s number one acquisition priority and is scheduled to see its first delivery in 2027. The transition from the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines to the new Columbia-class will ensure continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s.

At a length of 560 feet and displacing 20,810 tons, the Columbia will be the largest submarine ever built by the U.S. Its reactor will not require refueling during the lifetime of planned service making the ship more cost-effective to operate and maximizing its time in deployment. In addition to its complement of missiles, the submarine will be armed with Mk 48 torpedoes and will feature superior acoustic performance and state-of-the-art sensors to make it the most capable and quiet submarine ever built.

The Submarine Force executes the Department of the Navy’s mission in and from the undersea domain. In addition to lending added capacity to naval forces, the Submarine Force, in particular, is expected to leverage those special advantages that come with undersea concealment to permit operational, deterrent and combat effects that the Navy and the nation could not otherwise achieve.

The Submarine Force and supporting organizations constitute the primary undersea arm of the Navy. Submarines and their crews remain the tip of the undersea spear.

Read more about the tradition of keel laying and other important moments in the lives of U.S. Navy ships here: https://www.navsea.navy.mil/Home/Team-Ships/Shipbuilding-101/

Article and Picture provided by Naval Sea Systems and Commander, Submarine Forces Public Affairs

Navy Lays Keel of Future USS Santa Barbara

Site Administrator — Sat, 31 Jul 2021 02:06:18 GMT

MOBILE, Ala. (Oct. 28, 2020) Lolita Zinke, left, the sponsor of the future littoral combat ship USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32), welds her initials into the ship’s keel plate during a keel-laying ceremony at Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama, Oct. 27, 2020. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Austal USA)

(Original story courtesy of NAVSEA)

The U.S. Navy held a keel-laying ceremony on Oct. 27 for the future USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32) at the Austal USA shipyard.

Lolita Zinke, the ship’s sponsor, authenticated the keel in a small ceremony, with limited attendance due to health and safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. As Santa Barbara’s sponsor, Zinke serves as an advocate and honorary member of the crew.

David Growden, vice president of Small Surface Combatant Programs, Austal USA; and Cmdr. Kris Netemeyer, LCS program manager’s representative, Supervisor of Shipbuilding Gulf Coast Detachment, spoke at the ceremony.

“Through this new warship and the name she bears, we honor a city that represents the very best of the American spirit,” said Capt. Mike Taylor, LCS program manager. “We set forth the Santa Barbara armed with the most adaptive and effective capabilities, designed to defend the United States.”

The littoral combat ship (LCS) class consists of the Freedom-variant and Independence-variant, designed and built by two industry teams. The Independence team is led by Austal USA, which produces the even-numbered hulls. LCS 32 is the 16th Independence-variant ship. There are 11 LCSs of both variants currently under construction.

LCS is a highly maneuverable, lethal and adaptable ship designed to support focused mine countermeasures, anti-submarine and surface warfare missions. The Independence-variant LCS integrates new technology and capability to support current and future mission capability, from deep water to the littorals.

Keel Laying Ceremony for future USS Massachusetts (SSN 798)

Site Administrator — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 16:28:51 GMT

The initials of Virginia-class submarine Massachusetts (SSN 798) Sheryl Sandberg were displayed at the ship’s keel authentication ceremony. Sandberg (center left) delivered pre-recorded remarks during the event, which marks the ceremonial start of construction. (Picture source Huntington Ingalls)

(Original article appears courtesy of Navy Recognition)

The Virginia-class attack submarine Massachusetts SSN 798 is the 25th Virginia-class fast attack submarine being built under the teaming agreement with General Dynamics Electric Boat. Construction began in March 2017 and is approximately 50% complete. The boat is scheduled for delivery to the Navy in 2023. Massachusetts was part of a $17.6 billion contract awarded by the U.S. Navy to prime contractor General Dynamics Electric Boat to construct ten Virginia-class submarines.

The Virginia-class is a nuclear-powered cruise missile fast-attack submarine. Currently, 19 Virginia-class submarines are in service with the U.S. Navy and another batch of 18 submarines are already ordered by the U.S. Navy.

The U.S. Navy has been procuring Virginia-class SSNs since Fiscal Year 1998 and the first submarine entered service in October 2004. The baseline Virginia-class design is slightly larger than the Los Angeles-class design but incorporates newer technologies, including technologies used in the Seawolf-class design

The U.S. Navy has three classes of SSNs (Submersible Ship Nuclear) in service. Los Angeles-class (SSN 688) submarines are the backbone of the submarine force, with approximately 40 now in commission. The U.S. Navy also has three Seawolf-class submarines. Commissioned July 19, 1997, USS Seawolf (SSN 21) is exceptionally quiet, fast, well-armed, and equipped with advanced sensors.

The U.S. Navy continues to build the next-generation attack submarine, the Virginia (SSN 774) class. More than a dozen Virginias have been commissioned to date, and they will replace Los Angeles Class submarines as they retire. The Virginia-class is available in five Blocks from I to V.

The Virginia-class Block I to IV is armed with 12 VLS Vertical Launching System (Tomahawk BGM-109) tubes, four 533 mm torpedo tubes (Mk-48 torpedo), RGM-84 Harpoon, 25 torpedoes & missiles (torpedo room) + 12 missiles (VLS tubes), while the Block V will be armed with VPM module (28 Tomahawk BGM-109), VLS (Tomahawk BGM-109) tubes, four 533 mm torpedo tubes (Mk-48 torpedo), RGM-84 Harpoon and 65 torpedoes & missiles.

https://youtu.be/CqBFg2RPiTA

Keel Laid for Future USNS Apalachicola (T-EPF 13)

Site Administrator — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 16:27:02 GMT

(Photo Credit: Austal)

(Original article appears courtesy of Naval Today)

The future USNS Apalachicola is the second ship named in honor of the city of Apalachicola, Fla: the first, a large harbor tug (YTB-767), served from 1965 to 2002.

The newbuild is part of the US Navy’s T-EPF program encompassing 14 high-speed transport vessels from Austal.

The USNS Apalachicola (T-EPF-13) will be the thirteenth Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship built for the U.S. Navy and will be operated by the MSC (Military Sealift Command). The MSC is an organization that controls the replenishment and military transport ships of the United States Navy. Military Sealift Command has the responsibility for providing sealift and ocean transportation for all US military services as well as for other government agencies.

The Austal-built EPF is a shallow draft, all aluminum, commercial-based catamaran that is designed for high-speed intra-theater surface lift and serves in a variety of roles for the military branches to include support of overseas contingency operations, conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions and supporting special operations forces.

The 103 meter T-EPF is capable of transporting 600 short tons up to 1,200 nautical miles at an average speed of 35 knots.

The ships can operate in shallow-draft ports and waterways, interface with roll-on/roll-off discharge facilities, and on/off-load a combat-loaded Abrams Main Battle Tank (M1A2). They have a core crew of 21 people, with airline style seating for more than 312 embarked forces and fixed berthing for 146.

The EPF includes a flight deck for helicopter operations and an off-load ramp that allows vehicles to quickly drive off the ship.

The US Navy awarded contracts to Austal for the EPF 13 in 2018 and 2019.

Keel Laid for Future USS Harvey C. Barnum, Jr.

Site Administrator — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 16:25:06 GMT

The future USS Harvey C. Barnum, Jr. (DDG 124) namesake, Col. Harvey “Barney” Barnum, Jr. (USMC, Ret.) (center) and his wife and ship sponsor, Martha Hill (left) monitor as Bath Iron Works welder Marty Fish (right) inscribes Col. Barnum’s signature onto the keel plate at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (BIW) shipyard, April 6.

(Original article appears courtesy of Navy.mil)

The ship’s namesake, Col. Harvey “Barney” Barnum, Jr. (USMC, Ret.) and his wife and ship sponsor, Martha Hill, attended the event. Acting Secretary of the Navy, Thomas W. Harker, Maine Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, Jr. and Member of the House of Representatives from Maine, Chellie Pingree were also in attendance.

With the assistance of BIW welder Marty Fish, Col. Barnum inscribed his signature onto the keel plate. As the sponsor, Martha Hill authenticated the keel by etching her initials into the keel plate, a tradition that symbolically recognizes the joining of modular components and the ceremonial beginning of the ship. “Col. Barnum has spent his life in service to our country and it is an honor to lay the keel of his ship,” said Capt. Seth Miller, DDG 51 class program manager. “This ship and all who serve aboard it will be a reminder of the honor, courage, and commitment that Col. Barnum embodies.”

Col. Barnum twice served in Vietnam and is a Medal of Honor recipient for heroic actions taken against communist forces at Ky Phu in Quang Tin Province in December 1965 after his company came under enemy fire and was separated from the rest of their battalion.

DDG 124 is a Flight IIA destroyer equipped with Aegis Baseline 9, which provides improved Integrated Air and Missile Defense capabilities, increased computing power, and radar upgrades that improve detection range and reaction time against modern air warfare and Ballistic Missile Defense threats.

BIW is also in production on the future Arleigh Burke-class destroyers Carl M. Levin (DDG 120), John Basilone (DDG 122), Patrick Gallagher (DDG 127), and Flight III ships, Louis H. Wilson, Jr. (DDG 126), and William Charette (DDG 130), as well as the future Zumwalt-class destroyer, Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG 1002).

As one of the Defense Department’s largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships, boats and craft.

Keel Laid for Future USS Cleveland

Site Administrator — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 16:23:10 GMT

A welder authenticates the keel of Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) 31, the future USS Cleveland, by welding the initials of the ship’s sponsor, Robyn Modly, wife of a Clevelander and former U.S. Navy secretary, who has embraced the city as her own. (LOCKHEED MARTIN)

(Original article appears courtesy of Seapower Magazine)

Lockheed Martin celebrated the keel-laying of the future littoral combat ship (LCS) USS Cleveland in June 17 ceremonies at the Fincantieri Marinete Marine shipyard in Wisconsin.

A welder authenticated the keel of LCS 31, the future USS Cleveland, by welding the initials of the ship’s sponsor, Robyn Modly, wife of Thomas B. Modly, a Clevelander and former U.S. Navy secretary.

“I am humbled and honored to be the sponsor of a ship that bears the name of the great city of Cleveland, with its rich and storied history of support to our armed services,” Modly said. “I look forward to a lifelong relationship with the ship and her crew as they proudly serve the Navy and our nation.”

The laying of the keel celebrates an important milestone in the life of the future USS Cleveland (LCS 31) and marks a significant event for the construction of the nation’s 31st LCS. The USS Cleveland will be the fourth commissioned ship in naval service, since World War I, named after Cleveland, the second-largest city in Ohio and home to countless Navy and Marine Corps veterans. With the city’s deep ties to maritime service since the turn of the 20th century, LCS 31 will honor Cleveland’s longstanding naval history.

“We are proud to build another proven warship that allows our Navy to carry out missions around the world,” said Steve Allen, Lockheed Martin Vice President of Small Combatants and Ship Systems. “All of us at Lockheed Martin, including our hardworking team in Marinette, Wisconsin, look forward to working with the U.S. Navy to continue delivering highly capable and adaptable Freedom-variant littoral combat ships to the fleet.”

“Our team at Fincantieri Marinette Marine is proud to celebrate the keel laying of the LCS 31 with the gracious citizens of Cleveland,” said Jan Allman, CEO of Fincantieri Marinette Marine. “This milestone is a testament to the power of cooperation and forward thinking by the entire Freedom team and our customer, the United States Navy. It also bears witness to all the dedicated craftsmen and women working in our FMG system of shipyards.”

Keel Laying for Future USNS Harvey Milk

Site Administrator — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 17:32:51 GMT

General
Dynamics/NASSCO

Original article appears courtesy of General Dynamics/Nassco.

On Thursday, September 3, General Dynamics NASSCO laid the keel for the future USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO 206), the second of six vessels in the John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler program for the U.S. Navy.

Senator Dianne Feinstein, D-CA, and Ms. Paula Neira, former naval officer and USNA class of 1985, the ship’s sponsors, virtually laid the keel by having their initials welded onto a steel plate by NASSCO welders. The steel plate will be permanently affixed to the ship’s keel and will remain with the vessel throughout its time in service.

Former Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, declared the John Lewis-class of oilers be named after leaders who fought for civil and human rights. The second of six ships honors Harvey Milk, human and civil rights activist who dedicated his life advocating for equality.

“I worked with Harvey, I know his dedication to human, civil and gay rights, and he was an exceptional figure,” said Senator Feinstein. “I think it really is fitting and proper that this great ship be named after him.”

“It is a privilege to build a ship named after a true champion of equality and a commitment to those in need,” said Dave Carver, President of General Dynamics NASSCO. “General Dynamics NASSCO is honored to build this ship that will bear the name USNS Harvey Milk.”

At 746-feet in length and displacing 49,000 tons, the future USNS Harvey Milk will provide valuable logistics support to our carrier strike groups around the world. Fleet oilers serve as a supply lifeline for Navy vessels carrying out missions in the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean and beyond. Crafted for underway replenishment, the oilers transfer fuel, food, spare parts and items needed to sustain military operations at sea as part of the Navy’s combat logistics force.

“The fact that we’re able to come together for this virtual ceremony is a reflection of the resilience and the dedication to mission that is characteristic of the United States Navy and our partners, the great shipbuilders at NASSCO,” said Paula Neira.

Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, NASSCO will release a virtual keel laying video via their company website and Facebook page on Thursday September 10. The short video will include remarks from the ship sponsors and the Navy.

Beloit Keel Laying

Site Administrator — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 17:34:48 GMT

Major General Marcia M. Anderson (U.S. Army, Ret.)

This article originally appears courtesy of the City of Beloit, WI.

Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine marked the beginning of construction on Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) 29, the future USS Beloit, with a ceremony in Marinette. As part of a ship-building tradition dating back centuries, a shipyard worker welded into the ship’s keel plate the initials of Major General Marcia M. Anderson (U.S. Army, Retired), USS Beloit ship sponsor and a Beloit, Wisconsin, native. This plate will be affixed to the ship and travel with Beloit throughout its commissioned life.

LCS 29 will be the 15th Freedom-variant LCS and will join a class of more than 30 ships. To date, four Freedom-variant LCS have deployed to support U.S. Navy presence and peacekeeping missions. In May, LCS 7 (USS Detroit) partnered with a U.S. Navy destroyer and Coast Guard teams to serve interdiction missions in the U.S. Southern Command Area of Responsibility.

“With two deployments so far this year, Freedom-variant LCS have proven that they are capable and can serve a unique role in the U.S. Navy’s fleet,” said Joe DePietro, vice president and general manager of Small Combatants and Ship Systems. “LCS’ speed, maneuverability and flexibility allows the ship to serve a multitude of missions by quickly integrating equipment and deploying manned and unmanned aerial, surface or sub-surface vehicles.”

In total, there are more than 500,000 nautical miles under the keel of Freedom-variant LCS. The ship delivers advanced capability in anti-submarine, surface, and mine countermeasure missions, and was designed to evolve with the changing security environment. As near-peer competition from large nation states increases, Lockheed Martin is partnering with the Navy to evolve LCS to meet these threats. Targeted upgrades are already underway with naval strike missiles being installed in support of upcoming deployments. Future installs of improved electronic warfare and decoy launching systems are under development.

LCS 29 is the first Navy ship to be named after Beloit, Wisconsin, and the ship’s sponsor has personal ties to Beloit. During a long career with the U.S. military, Major General Anderson became the first African American woman to obtain the rank of major general in the U. S. Army and U. S. Army Reserve. As a citizen-soldier, Anderson was employed for 28 years by the United States Courts, where she served as the Clerk of the Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Wisconsin, located in Madison, Wisconsin, until her retirement in late 2019.

“The construction of the Navy’s newest Littoral Combat Ship and naming it after the city of Beloit, with its rich and storied history of supporting our nation’s national security, is more than fitting,” said Major General Anderson. “When completed, the USS Beloit’s voyages will be part of the tradition of small cities and towns in America sharing our story around the world.”

Beloit is one of six LCS in various stages of construction and test at the Fincantieri Marinette Marine shipyard.

“We are proud to celebrate the future USS Beloit today,” said Jan Allman, CEO of Fincantieri Marinette Marine. “The Fincantieri Marinette Marine shipyard is honored to build this capable warship, named for another city from the wonderful state of Wisconsin. I think this is a true testament to the hard work and patriotism of Midwesterners, and we look forward to working with the City of Beloit as we continue building LCS 29 for our US Navy partner.”

Navy Lays Keel of Future USS Savannah (LCS 28)

Site Administrator — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 16:45:04 GMT

The ship’s sponsor, Dianne Isakson, wife of U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, authenticated the keel for the 14th Independence-variant littoral combat ship (LCS) during the ceremony.

The U.S. Navy held a keel-laying and authentication ceremony for the future USS Savannah (LCS 28) at Austal USA’s shipyard Mobile, Ala., on Sept. 20.

The ship’s sponsor, Dianne Isakson, wife of U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, authenticated the keel for the 14th Independence-variant littoral combat ship (LCS) during the ceremony.

“We are honored to lay the keel of what will one day be a magnificent combat ship that will defend our great country as our Sailors operate her around the globe,” said Capt. Mike Taylor, LCS program manager.

While the keel laying traditionally represents the formal start of a ship’s construction, fabrication of the ship begins months in advance. Today, keel laying continues to symbolically recognize the joining of the ship’s components and the ceremonial beginning of the ship.

LCS is a fast, agile, focused-mission platform designed to operate in near-shore environments, while capable of open-ocean tasking and winning against 21st-century coastal threats such as submarines, mines and swarming small craft. They are capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control and deterrence.

There are currently four other Independence variant LCSs undergoing construction at Austal USA, with five additional ships in pre-production planning.

Keel Laid for USS Nantucket

Site Administrator — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 16:43:13 GMT

Original article appears courtesy of WLUK/Marinette, WI

A keel-laying ceremony is held at Marinette Marine in Wisconsin for the future USS Nantucket, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019. (WLUK/Jessie Basinski)

A keel laying ceremony in Wisconsin marked the ceremonial start of construction of the next ship to carry the name Nantucket.

WLUK-TV reported that Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine hosted the keel laying ceremony on Wednesday for LCS-27. The littoral combat ship will be the next USS Nantucket.

The ship’s sponsor and secretary of the Navy’s wife, Polly Spencer, authenticated the keel by welding onto the steel plate to be placed on the ship’s hull.

Marinette Marine was awarded the contract to build the future USS Nantucket two years ago.

The USS Nantucket will be the third commissioned U.S. Navy ship to honor the maritime history of the Massachusetts island, and the first in 150 years.

Keel Laid for First-in-Class USNS Navajo

Site Administrator — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 16:41:07 GMT

Gulf Island Shipyard held a keel laying ceremony on Oct. 30 for the future USNS Navajo (T-ATS 6), the lead ship of the Navy’s new class of Towing, Salvage, and Rescue vessels. The ceremony was held at the Houma Terrebonne Civic Center in Houma, Louisiana. (U.S. Navy Photo)

Original article appears courtesy of the Military Sealift Command

Gulf Island Shipyard hosted a keel laying ceremony on Oct. 30 for the future USNS Navajo (T-ATS 6), the lead ship of the Navy’s new class of Towing, Salvage, and Rescue vessels. The ceremony was held at the Houma Terrebonne Civic Center in Houma, Louisiana.

A keel laying is the ceremonial recognition of the start of a ship’s construction and the joining of the ship’s modular components. The keel serves as the symbolic backbone of the ship and is said to be “truly and fairly laid” with the etching of an honoree’s initials into the keel plate.

On hand to authenticate the keel were Jocelyn Billy, the ship’s sponsor; the Honorable Jonathan Nez, President of Navajo Nation; and the Honorable Seth Damon, the Speaker of the 24th Navajo Nation Council.

“We are honored to have so many members of Navajo Nation in attendance to celebrate this early milestone in the shipbuilding process,” said Mike Kosar, support ships, boats and craft program manager, Program Executive Office Ships. “These ships are critical to the operations of our fleet, and will soon sail with the resilience and determination of the Navajo people of which they honor.”

The Navajo-class will provide ocean-going tug, salvage, and rescue capabilities to support fleet operations. The current capabilities are provided by three T-ATF 166 and two T-ARS 50 class ships, which reach the end of their expected service lives starting in 2020.

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 can carry a load of 1,796 tons.
In addition to T-ATS 6, Gulf Island Shipyard is under contract for the detail design and construction of the future USNS Cherokee Nation (T-ATS 7) and USNS Saginaw Ojibwe Anishinabek (T-ATS 8).

Huntington Ingalls Industries Authenticates Keel of Guided Missile Destroyer Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125)

Site Administrator — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 16:38:49 GMT

Ship’s Sponsors (left to right) Catherine B. Reynolds and Ruby Lucas trace their initials onto a steel plate that will be welded inside the guided missile destroyer Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125). Looking on is Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant, who spoke at the ceremony. Photo by Derek Fountain/HII

Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Ingalls Shipbuilding division authenticated the keel of the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125) today. Lucas was the youngest Marine and the youngest service member in World War II to receive the Medal of Honor.

“We are honored to have with us today the sponsors of this great ship, including Ruby Lucas, widow of our ship’s namesake. It is Navy tradition to name destroyers after men and women who served their country with distinction and this ship is certainly no exception,” said Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Cuccias. “Jack Lucas was born at a unique point in history and destiny had plans for the youngest service member awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II.”

DDG 125 is co-sponsored by Ruby Lucas, widow of the ship’s namesake and Catherine B. Reynolds, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who has enabled millions of Americans to attend the college of their choice through her foundation work.

“One of the best days of my life was the day I met Jack. I didn’t know a thing about him, but that day changed my life forever,” said Lucas. “God has always looked out for me and he has always looked after Jack. It has always been my wish that Jack would be remembered for all time. His personal history is without comparison. Now my wish for this ship is that Jack himself would move over it. May God bless this ship named Jack H. Lucas and may God bless America”

This is the first ship named to honor Jack H. Lucas, who, at the age of 14, forged his mother’s signature to join the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. Lucas, then a private first class in the Marines, turned 17 just five days before the U.S. invasion of Iwo Jima and stowed away on USS Deuel (APA 160) to fight in the campaign. During a close firefight with Japanese forces, Lucas saved the lives of three fellow Marines when, after two enemy hand grenades were thrown into a U.S. trench, he placed himself on one grenade while simultaneously pulling the other under his body. One of the grenades did not explode; the other exploded but only injured Lucas.

DDG 125 is the fifth of five Arleigh Burke-class destroyers HII was awarded in June 2013 and the first Flight III ship. The five-ship contract, part of a multi-year procurement in the DDG 51 program, allows Ingalls to build ships more efficiently by buying bulk material and moving the skilled workforce from ship to ship.

“What makes this place what it is are the men and women you see with these hardhats on,” Mississippi Governor Phil Byant said as he addressed the crowd at today’s ceremony. “Brian I can tell you this, I say it all over the world, ‘We’ve got the best damn shipbuilders in the world.’ A ship like the Jack H. Lucas will keep this world of ours safe. Jack will be back where his spirit has always been, fighting for America.”

James Ellis, a structural welder at Ingalls, welded the two sponsors’ initials onto a steel plate, signifying the keel of DDG 125 as being “truly and fairly laid.” The plate will remain affixed to the ship throughout its lifetime.

Ingalls has delivered 31 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers to the Navy. The shipyard currently has four DDGs under construction, including Lenah H. Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123), which is set to be christened in early 2020.

Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are capable, multi-mission ships and can conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection, all in support of the United States’ military strategy. The guided missile destroyers are capable of simultaneously fighting air, surface and subsurface battles. The ship contains myriad offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime defense needs well into the 21st century.

USS Canberra Keel Laying

Site Administrator — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 16:36:59 GMT

Marise Payne, minister for foreign affairs in Australia, welds her initials into the keel of the USS Canberra at Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama, Tuesday, March 10, 2020. Austal picture.

Original article appears courtesy of Naval News

The future USS Canberra will be the 30th Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) for the U.S. Navy, and the 15th Independence-class LCS built by Austal USA.

Marise Payne was appointed Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs on 28 August 2018. A Senator for NSW since 1997, she has more than two decades’ parliamentary experience including 12 years’ membership of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade. The Senator was appointed Minister for Defence in September 2015. She oversaw a major renewal of the Australian Defence Force’s capabilities and led the organisation’s increased international engagement program with allies and partners.

LCS is a fast, agile, focused-mission platform designed for operation in near-shore environments yet capable of open-ocean operation. It is designed to defeat asymmetric “anti-access” threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft. The Independence-variant LCS integrates new technology and capability to support current and future mission capability from deep water to the littorals. Five Littoral Combat Ships are currently under construction at Austal’s state-of-the-art module manufacturing shipyard in Mobile, Alabama.

USNS Cherokee Nation Keel Laying

Site Administrator — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 17:46:57 GMT

Tribal leaders from the Cherokee Nation, U.S. Navy officials from Program Executive Office Ships and executives from Gulf Island Shipyards look on as the initials of the Principle Chief of the Cherokee Nation, The Honorable Chuck Hoskins, Jr. and the Deputy Speaker of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council, The Honorable Victoria Mitchell Vazquez (ship sponsor) are cut into the keel of the future USNS Cherokee Nation (T-ATS 7) in a ceremony at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center here. (Photo by Landon Hutchens II, U.S. Navy)

Original appears courtesy of U.S. Navy/NAVSEA

A keel laying ceremony was held Feb. 12 for the future USNS Cherokee Nation (T-ATS 7), the second ship of the Navy’s Navajo class of Towing, Salvage, and Rescue vessels. The ceremony was held near Gulf Island Shipyard at the Houma Terrebonne Civic Center.

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.

In attendance to authenticate the keel was Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, The Honorable Chuck Hoskin, Jr. and the ship’s sponsor and Deputy Speaker of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council, The Honorable Victoria Mitchell Vazquez.

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

“We are honored to have so many representatives of the Cherokee Nation in attendance to celebrate this early milestone,” said Mike Kosar, support ships, boats and craft program manager, Program Executive Office Ships. “The ship is critical to the operations of our fleet, and will soon sail with the pride and determination of the Cherokee people, which it is named to honor”

The Navajo-class will provide ocean-going tug, salvage, and rescue capabilities to support fleet operations. The current capabilities are provided by three T-ATF 166 and two T-ARS 50 class ships, several of which will reach the end of their expected service lives later this year.

In addition to the future USNS Cherokee Nation (T-ATS 7), Gulf Island Shipyard is constructing the future USNS Navajo (T-ATS 6) and is under contract for the detail design and construction of the future USNS Saginaw Ojibwe Anishinabek (T-ATS 8).

USS Basilone Keel Laying

Site Administrator — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 17:49:35 GMT

BATH, Maine (Jan. 10, 2020) Ship sponsor Ms. Ryan Manion welds her initials into a steel plate during a keel authentication ceremony for the future USS John Basilone (DDG 122). (Photo courtesy of General Dynamics Bath Iron Works)

Original article appears courtesy of U.S. Navy/NAVSEA

The keel of the future USS John Basilone (DDG 122) was ceremoniously laid at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (BIW) shipyard Jan.10.

Speakers included Capt. Seth Miller, DDG 51 class program manager; Diane Hawkins, niece of the ship’s namesake; and the ship’s sponsors, Amy Looney and Ryan Manion. The ship’s sponsors authenticated the keel by etching their initials into the keel plate, a tradition that symbolically recognizes the joining of modular components and the ceremonial beginning of the ship.

“It’s an honor to celebrate this milestone with Ms. Looney, Ms. Manion, andmembers of the Basilone family,” Miller said. “Laying the keel for our nation’s 72nd Arleigh Burke destroyer, and building a ship named for a man who embodied the spirit of commitment and strength, this is a truly special occasion.”

The ship’s namesake was a United States Marine Corps gunnery sergeant who was killed in action during the Battle of Iwo Jima in WWII. Basilone received the Medal of Honor for heroism displayed in the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942, and for conspicuous gallantry displayed in the Battle of Iwo Jima, after he singlehandedly destroyed an enemy blockhouse and led a Marine tank under fire safely through a minefield.

Arleigh Burke class destroyers are multi-mission surface combatants that serve as integral assets in global maritime security, engaging in air, undersea, surface, strike and ballistic missile defense, as well as providing increased capabilities in anti-submarine warfare, command and control, and anti-surface warfare.

As a Flight IIA Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, John Basilone will employ the Aegis Baseline 9 Combat System, which includes Integrated Air and Missile Defense capability, delivers quick reaction time, high firepower, and has increased electronic countermeasures capability for anti-air warfare.

In addition to John Basilone, BIW has four additional Arleigh Burke class destroyers under construction – Daniel Inouye (DDG 118), Carl M. Levin (DDG120), Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG 124) and Patrick Gallagher (DDG 127), as well as the Zumwalt-class destroyer Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG 1002). BIW isunder contract for an additional six Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, which will all be built in the Flight III configuration with enhanced Airand Missile Defense capabilities.

USNS John Lewis Keel Laying

Site Administrator — Mon, 13 May 2019 16:52:32 GMT

Rep. John Lewis (D Ga.) addresses attendees at the keel laying for his namesake ship, Military Sealift Command’s newest fleet replenishment oiler, USNS John Lewis during a ceremony at the General Dynamics NASSCO Shipyard in San Diego. Military Sealift Command photo.

Original article appears courtesy of USNI

The keel was laid for the future first-in-class fleet replenishment oiler John Lewis (T-AO-205) in a ceremony in San Diego this week.

General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) is building the new fleet of oilers for U.S. Navy ships and laid the keel on the first ship of the class on May 13, according to NASSCO.

During the ceremony at the NASSCO yard, U.S. Representative John Lewis (D-Ga.), the ship’s namesake, and Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress Alfre Woodard, the ship’s sponsor, etched their initials into the keel plate.

“For the U.S. Navy and former Secretary Ray Mabus to see fit to honor me in this way is unreal and almost unimaginable,” Lewis said in a statement released by his office. “I only try to do what is fair, what is right, and what is just and get in what I call good trouble, necessary trouble. This class of ships pays tribute to the powerful contribution each and every participant in the struggle for civil rights and social justice has made to help build a true democracy in America.”

Consistent with Lewis’s commitment to non-violence, the statement from his office pointed out that the John Lewis class of ships are not combat vessels, but instead serve the vital role of replenishing fuel for ships at sea, serving as part of the Navy’s Combat Logistics Force operated by the Military Sealift Command. The John Lewis-class will also honor other civil rights figures including Harvey Milk, Earl Warren, Robert F. Kennedy, Lucy Stone and Sojourner Truth.

The new class of oiler has a displacement of 22,173 tons and is designed to carry 156,000 barrels of oil as well as dry cargo and aviation fuel. In June 2016, the Navy awarded NASSCO a $3.2-billion contract to build six John Lewis-class oilers. Ultimately, the Navy plans to buy 20 John Lewis-class ships over the course of three contract awards, according to the Military Sealift Command.

Before representing Atlanta in Congress, Lewis was a leader in the Civil Rights movement. In 1963, as chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, Lewis helped organize and spoke at the March on Washington in August 1963. On Sunday, March 7, 1965, Lewis was among the leaders of a peaceful march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala. Alabama state troopers attacked the marchers in an incident commonly referred to as “Bloody Sunday.” Images of the confrontation appearing in newspapers and on news broadcasts helped spur the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, according to Lewis’ bio.

“We’re honored to have Rep. Lewis and Ms. Woodard with us today as we lay the foundation for recapitalizing our nation’s critical fuel-replenishment-at-sea capabilities,” Mike Kosar, the program manager for support ships, boats and craft within the Program Executive Office for Ships, said during the ceremony, according to a NASSCO release.
“These ships are steadfast, reliable and allow our warships to defend our freedoms for which Representative Lewis has dedicated his life to protecting.”

USS Richard M. McCool Keel Laying

Site Administrator — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 16:55:49 GMT

190412-N-BR740-1054: Left, Shana McCool and Kate Oja, ship sponsors of the future USS Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD 29), speak about their grandfather during the keel authentication ceremony for the ship at Huntington Ingalls Industries Pascagoula shipyard April 12. Then a Navy captain, McCool received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in rescuing survivors from a sinking destroyer and for saving his own landing support ship during an enemy attack while injured. (U.S. Navy photo by Samantha Crane/Released)

Original article appears courtesy of NAVSEA

The keel for the future USS Richard M. McCool, Jr. (LPD 29) was ceremoniously laid during a ceremony at Huntington Ingalls Industries Ingalls Shipbuilding Division, April 12.

Shana McCool and Kate Oja are the ship’s sponsors and granddaughters of the namesake, and authenticated the keel by etching their initials into the keel plate. This tradition symbolically recognizes the joining of modular components and is the ceremonial beginning of the ship.

“We are honored to have Ms. McCool and Ms. Oja with us today to recognize this major ship event,” said Capt. Brian Metcalf, LPD 17 class program manager for Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. “The San Antonio class has proven essential to expeditionary warfighters, and we are excited to bring the 13th and final ship of the Flight I configuration to the fleet.”

The ship is named in honor of Navy veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, Capt. Richard M. McCool, Jr. and is the Navy’s 13th San Antonio class amphibious transport dock ship. McCool was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1945 for the heroism he displayed after his ship was attacked by kamikaze aircraft in the Battle of Okinawa. Despite suffering from shrapnel wounds and painful burns, he led efforts to battle a blazing fire on his ship and rescue injured sailors.

Fabrication on LPD 29 began on July 30, 2018, and is scheduled to deliver in 2023. Eleven San Antonio class ships have been delivered to date, the most recent being USS Portland (LPD 27), which was commissioned in 2018. LPD 28 and 29 will serve as transition ships to LPD 30, the first ship of the Flight II. LPD 17 Flight II ships will replace the Navy’s aging LSD 41/49 class ships.

The LPD 17 San Antonio class amphibious transport dock ships are designed to transport and deploy combat and support elements of Marine Expeditionary Units and Brigades. The LPD 17 Flight I ships carry approximately 720 troops and can transport air cushion or amphibious assault vehicles. These ships support amphibious assault, special operations and expeditionary warfare missions through the 21st century.

USS Marinette Keel Laying

Site Administrator — Wed, 27 Mar 2019 16:59:07 GMT

The US Navy held a keel laying and authentication ceremony for the future littoral combat ship (LCS) USS Marinette at Fincantieri Marinette Marine’s Wisconsin shipyard on Wednesday, March 27. (Baird Maritime)

Original article appears courtesy of U.S. Navy

The U.S. Navy held a keel laying and authentication ceremony for the future littoral combat ship USS Marinette (LCS 25) in Marinette, Wisconsin March 27.

The keel laying symbolically recognizes the joining of the ship’s components and the ceremonial beginning of the ship.

“This keel laying is extra special. LCS 25 is the second ship to bear the city’s name and the Freedom variant is being built there. The Navy and Marinette have a rich history. Minesweepers and liberty ships built in Marinette provided convoy support in the Atlantic against German U-boats during the run-up to WWII,” said Capt. Mike Taylor, LCS program manager.

Marinette will be the first commissioned ship and second overall in U.S. naval service to be named after the city along the Menominee River. The initial Marinette in Navy service was a Nantick-class large harbor tug (YTB-791), also built in Marinette and in active service for nearly four decades (1967-2005).

The initials of former Michigan governor and ship’s sponsor, Jennifer M. Granholm, were welded onto a keel plate that will be permanently affixed to the ship.

The LCS class consists of two variants, the Freedom variant and the Independence variant, designed and built by two industry teams. This ship is being built by an industry team led by Lockheed Martin at Fincantieri Marinette Marine. The Lockheed Martin-led team builds the odd-numbered hulls. The Independence variant team is led by Austal USA, in Mobile, Alabama, (for LCS 6 and subsequent even-numbered hulls).

LCS is a highly maneuverable, lethal and adaptable ship designed to support focused mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare missions. The Freedom-variant LCS integrates new technology and capability to affordably support current and future mission capability from deep water to the littorals.

Several additional Freedom-variant ships are under construction in Marinette. The future USS Indianapolis (LCS 17) is preparing for trials this summer. The future USS St. Louis (LCS 19) was christened and launched in December. The future USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul (LCS 21), Cooperstown (LCS 23) and Nantucket (LCS 27) are in various stages of production. Beloit (LCS 29) and Cleveland (LCS 31) were recently awarded.

The littoral combat ship is now the second-largest surface ship class in the U.S. Navy. In 2018, five LCSs were delivered to the fleet, and four are planned for delivery in 2019 — a pace not seen since the 1990s.

USS Bougainville Keel Laying

Site Administrator — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 17:02:22 GMT

Ship Sponsor Ellyn Dunford traces her initials before Ingalls Shipbuilding welder Cedric Harman welds them into a steel plate to be fastened to the ship during the keel authentication ceremony of the future USS Bougainville (LHA 8) at Huntington Ingalls Industries Pascagoula shipyard March 14. (Photo by Samantha Crane)

Original article appears courtesy of NAVSEA

The keel laying and authentication ceremony for the future USS Bougainville (LHA 8) was held at the Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Ingalls Shipbuilding division (HII), March 14.

The ship’s sponsor, Ellyn Dunford, authenticated the keel by welding her initials into the keel plate.

Traditionally, keel laying marks the first step in ship construction. However, with today’s advanced modular shipbuilding, the keel laying ceremony now recognizes the joining together of a ship’s components and is a major milestone in the ship’s construction. Fabrication of Bougainville began in October 2018.

“We are honored to have Ellyn Dunford with us today to commemorate this milestone,” said Tom Rivers, Amphibious Warfare Program Manager, PEO Ships. “The production team has made steady progress and we look forward to bringing the next generation of amphibious capabilities to the Navy and Marine Corps warfighters.”

The future USS Bougainville is the third ship of the America (LHA 6) class of amphibious assault ships built to facilitate forward presence and power projection. LHA 8 is the first Flight I ship of the America class with a reincorporated well deck to increase operational flexibility while maximizing the aviation capability inherent on the Flight 0 ships, USS America and the future USS Tripoli.

Designed to support the Marine Corps tenets of Operational Maneuver from the Sea and Ship to Objective Maneuver, America class ships are capable of rapid combat power buildup ashore The America class accommodates the Marine Corps’ Air Combat Element including F-35B Joint Strike Fighter and MV-22 Osprey, essential to maintaining power projection, air superiority, and theater logistics.

HII’s Pascagoula shipyard is also currently in production on Tripoli (LHA 7), the guided missile destroyers Delbert D. Black (DDG 119), Lenah H. Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123), Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125), and amphibious transport dock ships, Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) and Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD 29). The shipyard is also under contract for six Flight III Arleigh Burke class destroyers awarded as part of the FY18-22 multiyear procurement.

Future Carl Levin Keel Laying Ceremony

Site Administrator — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 18:05:29 GMT

Retired U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., signed a steel plate at the keel laying for the future USS Carl M. Levin, named after him. (Photo courtesy of General Dynamics Bath Iron Works/Facebook)

Original article appears courtesy of U.S. Navy

The keel of the future USS Carl M. Levin (DDG 120) was ceremoniously laid at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (BIW) shipyard, Feb. 1.

Speakers at the ceremony included Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King, Secretary of the Navy, Richard Spencer, the ship’s namesake, former Sen. Carl Levin, and Reps. Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden.

Sen. Levin and the ship’s sponsors, his three daughters, Kate Levin Markel, Erica Levin, and Laura Levin, authenticated the keel by etching their initials into the keel plate to symbolically recognize the joining of modular components and the ceremonial beginning of the ship.

“We are honored to be celebrating this milestone with Sen. Levin, Mrs. Levin, their daughters, and so many distinguished guests,” said Capt. Casey Moton, DDG 51 class program manager, Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. “This has been a special occasion to lay the keel for our Nation’s 70th Arleigh Burke destroyer, and to do so with a namesake that shares the same sense of purpose and commitment to service as our sailors.”

The ship’s namesake served in the U.S. Senate for 36 years from 1979-2015. As the longest serving senator in Michigan state history, Levin became a staunch supporter of the armed services through his work and leadership as Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Armed Services.

DDG 120 will be built in the Flight IIA configuration with the Aegis Baseline 9 Combat System which includes Integrated Air and Missile Defense capability. This system delivers quick reaction time, high firepower, and increased electronic countermeasures capability for Anti-Air Warfare. Delivery to the fleet is planned for Fiscal Year 2021.

These multi-mission surface combatants serve as integral assets in global maritime security, engaging in air, undersea, surface, strike and ballistic missile defense, as well as providing increased capabilities in anti-submarine warfare, command and control, and anti-surface warfare.

In addition to Carl M. Levin (DDG 120), BIW has four additional Arleigh Burke class destroyers under construction – Daniel Inouye (DDG 118), John Basilone (DDG 122), Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG 124) and Patrick Gallagher (DDG 127), as well as the Zumwalt class destroyer Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG 1002). BIW is under contract for an additional six Arleigh Burke class destroyers that will all be constructed in the Flight III configuration with enhanced Air and Missile Defense capabilities.

Keel Laying for USNS Newport

Site Administrator — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 18:15:13 GMT

(Twitter/Austal USA)

Original article appears courtesy of UPI

The U.S. Navy laid the keel for its 12th Expeditionary Fast Transport, the future USNS Newport, at Austal USA’s shipyard in Mobile, Ala.

During a ceremony, the keel of the fast transport ship was “truly and fairly laid” and was authenticated by sponsor Charlotte Dorrance Marshall of Newport, R.I. The board member of the Hamilton Family Charitable Trust signed her initials into the keel plate of the future Newport, which will be the fourth ship named after the Rhode Island city. A completion date wasn’t announced.

We are excited to celebrate a major milestone in the construction of the 12th EPF of the class,” Capt. Scot Searles, Strategic and Theater Sealift program manager of Program Executive Office Ships, said in a Navy news release. “These ships have proven versatility and capability, allowing them to be strategic assets to our fleet and partners abroad.”

The non-combatant vessels are designed to operate in shallow-draft ports and waterways for a wide range of activities, including humanitarian assistance and relief operations in small or damaged ports.

It carries a civilian crew under Navy command like other USNS ships but often has military personnel attached.

EPFs can transport 600 short tons 1,200 nautical miles at an average speed of 35 knots. The ships include airline-style seating for 312 embarked forces and fixed berthing for 104.

Nine ships in the class are currently operational.

The 10th EPF, the USNS Burlington, was delivered to the Navy last November. Austal USA is currently in production on the No. 11 EPF, the Puerto Rico. The Navy issued Austal contracts in late 2018 for EPF 13 and EPF 14.

USS Cooperstown Keel Laying

Site Administrator — Fri, 14 Dec 2018 18:11:48 GMT

A welder authenticates the keel of LCS 23, the future USS Cooperstown, by welding the initials of keel authenticator Ellen R. Tillapaugh, Mayor of the Village of Cooperstown, New York. The Keel Laying is the formal recognition of the start of the ship’s module construction process. (Lockheed Martin)

Original article appears courtesy of Lockheed Martin

The Lockheed Martin-led industry team officially laid the keel for the U.S. Navy’s 23^rd Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), the future USS Cooperstown, in a ceremony held at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin.

Ellen R. Tillapaugh, Mayor of the Village of Cooperstown, New York, completed the time-honored tradition and authenticated the keel by welding her initials onto a steel plate that will be placed in the ship.

“It is a tremendous honor to authenticate the keel for the future USS Cooperstown,” Tillapaugh said. “Ships and their crews have a special bond with their namesake, and I know the village of Cooperstown will proudly support this ship throughout her construction, and when she is commissioned and enters the Navy fleet.”

The Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine team is currently in full-rate production of the Freedom-variant of the LCS, and has delivered five ships to the U.S. Navy to date. The future USS Cooperstown is one of eight ships in various stages of construction at Fincantieri Marinette Marine.

“We are proud to build another proven warship that allows our Navy to carry out their missions around the world,” said Joe DePietro, Lockheed Martin vice president of small combatants and ship systems. “We look forward to working with the U.S. Navy to continue building and delivering highly capable and adaptable Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ships to the fleet.”

LCS 23 will be the first vessel named for Cooperstown. Her name honors the veterans who are members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame located in the namesake city. These 64 men served in conflicts ranging from the Civil War through the Korean War.

Lockheed Martin’s Freedom-variant LCS is highly maneuverable, lethal and adaptable. Originally designed to support focused missions such as mine warfare, anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare, the team continues to evolve capabilities based on rigorous Navy operational testing; sailor feedback and multiple successful fleet deployments. The Freedom-variant LCS integrates new technology and capability to support mission capability from deep water to the littorals.

Keel Laying for USS Mobile

Site Administrator — Fri, 14 Dec 2018 18:09:02 GMT

(Flickr/Austal USA)

Original article appears courtesy of NAVSEA

The U.S. Navy held a keel laying and authentication ceremony for the future USS Mobile (LCS 26) at Austal USA’s shipyard on Dec. 14.

The ship’s sponsor, Rebecca Byrne, wife of Rep. Bradley Byrne, R-Ala., authenticated the keel for the 13th Independence variant of the littoral combat ship (LCS) during the ceremony. While keel laying traditionally represents the formal start of a ship’s construction, fabrication of the ship begins months in advance. Today, keel laying continues to symbolically recognize the joining of the ship’s components and the ceremonial beginning of the ship.

The LCS seaframe program manager’s representative, Cmdr. Chris Addington, commended the Austal USA shipbuilders at the event.

“With the learning and improvements that the Austal team has forged into this hull, this 13th ship of the Independence variant will certainly be the best yet,” he said. “Thanks to all of you for the effort that will be put into completing this great ship that will exemplify its namesake city.”

LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environments, while capable of open-ocean tasking and winning against 21st-century coastal threats such as submarines, mines and swarming small craft. They are capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control and deterrence.

There are currently four other Independence variant LCSs undergoing construction at Austal USA, with three additional ships in pre-production planning.

Keel Authenticated for the Future USNS Puerto Rico

Site Administrator — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 17:18:15 GMT

Keel Laying Ceremony 8/9/18 (Austal USA)

Original article appears courtesy of the Military Sealift Command

A ceremony celebrating the keel authentication of the Navy’s eleventh Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transport ship, the future USNS Puerto Rico (EPF 11), was held at Mobile, Alabama, shipyard of Austal USA, the ship’s manufacturer. Puerto Rico will be the third ship in naval service named after the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, honoring its historically strong ties to the military.

A keel laying is the formal recognition of the start of a ship’s construction, as the keel is the symbolic backbone of a ship. The keel was said to be “truly and fairly laid” as it was authenticated by the ship’s sponsor, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, by welding her initials into the keel plate.
“We are honored that Justice Sotomayor is able to participate as the ship sponsor in this major production milestone,” said Capt. Scot Searles, Strategic and Theater Sealift program manager, Program Executive Office Ships.“Our industry and Navy teams are committed to delivering this highly capable platform and today’s milestone marks our progress towards delivering operational flexibilities to the Navy force.”

Expeditionary Fast Transport ships are versatile vessels designed to operate in shallow-draft ports and waterways, increasing operational flexibility for a wide range of activities including maneuver and sustainment, relief operations in small or damaged ports, flexible logistics support or as the key enabler for rapid transport.

They are capable of interfacing with roll-on/roll-off discharge facilities, as well as on/off-loading vehicles such as a fully combat-loaded Abrams Main Battle Tank. Each vessel includes a flight deck to support day and night aircraft launch and recovery operations. The EPF class ships will have airline-style seating for 312 embarked forces with fixed berthing for 104.

As one of the Defense Department’s largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships are responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, sealift ships, support ships, and boats.

Keel Laid for USS Oakland

Site Administrator — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 17:21:14 GMT

(Austal USA)

Original article appears courtesy of Defpost

Austal USA has laid the keel for the U.S. Navy’s Independence variant littoral combat ship, the future USS Oakland (LCS 24), during a ceremony at its shipyard in Mobile, Alabama on July 20.

Ship’s sponsor Kate Brandt ceremoniously laid the keel for the twelfth Independence variant ship of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program, during the ceremony. She will be the third Navy ship to bear the name of Oakland, California.

While keel laying traditionally represents the formal start of a ship’s construction, advanced modular shipbuilding allows fabrication of the ship to begin months in advance. Today, keel laying continues to symbolically recognize the joining of the ship’s components and the ceremonial beginning of the ship’s construction.

In the coming months, Austal will pull one million feet of cable, install 550,000 square feet of insulation, weld 75,000 feet of pipe and shape 850 metric tons of aluminum into the multi mission warship.

Austal has delivered two Independence variant LCS – USS Manchester (LCS 14) and future USS Tulsa (LCS 16) – to the Navy in 2018 while another six are under construction including the future USS Oakland (LCS 24).

Future USS Charleston (LCS 18) is preparing for acceptance trials. Assembly is underway on future USS Cincinnati (LCS 20) and future USS Kansas City (LCS 22) and modules for future USS Mobile (LCS 26) and future USS Savannah (LCS 28) are under construction. Additionally, Austal has one more LCS in a pre-construction phase, the future USS Canberra (LCS 30).

LCS is a high speed, agile, shallow draft, mission-focused surface combatant designed for operations in the littoral environment, yet fully capable of open ocean operations.

As part of the surface fleet, LCS has the ability to counter and outpace evolving threats independently or within a network of surface combatants. Paired with advanced sonar and mine hunting capabilities, LCS provides a major contribution, as well as a more diverse set of options to commanders, across the spectrum of operations.

Each LCS will be outfitted with a mission package made up of reconfigurable mission modules containing warfighting systems and support equipment. A dedicated crew will combine with aviation assets to deploy manned and unmanned vehicles and sensors in support of mine countermeasures (MCM), anti-submarine warfare (ASW) or surface warfare (ASuW) missions.

An interchangeable mission package is embarked on each LCS and provides the primary mission systems in one of these warfare areas.

The LCS-class consists of the Freedom-variant and Independence-variant, designed and built by two industry teams. The Freedom-variant team is led by Lockheed Martin (for the odd-numbered ships, e.g. LCS 1) while the Independence-variant team is led by Austal USA (for LCS 6 and follow-on even-numbered ships).

Keel Laying for USS Daniel Inouye

Site Administrator — Fri, 04 May 2018 17:24:47 GMT

Irene Hirano Inouye, future USS Daniel Inouye (DDG 118) sponsor and wife of the late Sen. Daniel Inouye, presents her initials on the keel plate following the ship’s keel authentication ceremony in Bath, Maine, May 14. (Photo by (Courtesy of) Dennis Griggs, Bath Iron Works)

Original article appears courtesy of NAVSEA

The keel of the future USS Daniel Inouye (DDG 118) was ceremoniously laid on May 14 at the Bath Iron Works (BIW) shipyard.

Irene Hirano Inouye, the ship’s sponsor and wife of the late Sen. Daniel Inouye, was in attendance to authenticate the keel. During the ceremony, Mrs. Hirano Inouye etched her initials into the keel plate to symbolically recognize the joining of modular components and the ceremonial beginning of the ship.

“We are honored to have Mrs. Hirano Inouye authenticate the keel of the future USS Daniel Inouye,” said Capt. Casey Moton, DDG 51 class program manager, Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. “We wish the men and women who sail this exceptionally capable ship the same courageous spirit the late Sen. Inouye embodied.”

The ship’s namesake, Daniel Inouye, served as a United States Senator from Hawaii from 1963 until his death in 2012. Sen. Inouye received the Medal of Honor for his heroism while serving with the 442nd Infantry Regiment in Italy during World War II. During an assault on April 21, 1945, he lost his right arm but continued to fight until the Regiment’s position was secured.

DDG 118 will be built in the Flight IIA configuration with the Aegis Baseline 9 Combat System which includes Integrated Air and Missile Defense capability. This system delivers quick reaction time, high firepower, and increased electronic countermeasures capability for Anti-Air Warfare.

BIW is also currently in production on the future destroyers Carl M. Levin (DDG 120), John Basilone (DDG 122), Harvey C. Barnum (DDG 124) – with start of construction on DDG 124 set to ceremoniously begin later this week – as well as the future Zumwalt-class destroyer, Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG 1002).

Keel Laid for Future Miguel Keith

Site Administrator — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 18:30:57 GMT

Matron of Honor Mary Easley welds the initials of Lance Corporal Miguel Keith’s mother.
(NASSCO)

Original article appears courtesy of General Dynamics/NASSCO

A time honored ceremony was held at General Dynamics NASSCO on January 30, 2018.

Keel laying is a long-recognized tradition of laying down the backbone of a ship. It is a milestone that marks when a ship begins to come to life. With the help of our NASSCO weld team, Mrs. Mary Easley, matron of honor and close friend of the Keith Family, welded Mrs. Delores Keith’s initials, the mother of the ship’s namesake, onto the keel plate. These initials will be a permanent part of the ship’s structure.

Miguel Keith, a native of San Antonio, Texas, began serving his country during the Vietnam War at the age of 18. On May 8, 1970, his platoon was subjected to heavy ground attack by an enemy force greatly outnumbering their own. Miguel was seriously wounded. Despite his injuries, Lance Corporal Keith demonstrated conspicuous gallantry and courage under fire. He ran across fire-swept terrain to deliver a hail of devastating machine-gun fire against the enemy.

A grenade detonated near Keith, injuring him further.

He got up again and charged an estimated 25 enemy soldiers who were massing to attack.

The vigor of his assault and his well-placed gun fire eliminated four enemy soldiers and caused the rest to retreat. Miguel’s heroic efforts contributed to the success of his platoon that day. During this combat, Miguel sustained mortal injuries.

Miguel’s valor and undaunted courage as a United States Marine resulted in him being posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

The USNS Miguel Keith (ESB 5) will carry Miguel’s legacy and the legacy of America to people all over the world. The men and women of General Dynamics NASSCO are honored to build this ship that will bear his name.

PCU Minneapolis-St Paul Keel Laid

Site Administrator — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 18:27:59 GMT

(Photo from KLUK TV/SEAWAVES)

(Photo and article originally appeared courtesy of SEAWAVES)

The U.S. Navy held a keel laying and authentication ceremony for the future USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul (LCS 21) in Marinette, Feb. 22.

The initials of the ship’s sponsor, Jodi Greene, were welded onto a keel plate that will be permanently affixed to the ship. While the keel laying has traditionally represented the formal start of a ship’s construction, advanced modular shipbuilding allows fabrication of the ship to begin months in advance. Today, the keel laying continues to symbolically recognize the joining of the ship’s components and the ceremonial beginning of the ship.

“The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul have a strong bond with the Navy. This littoral combat ship (LCS) will be the second ship to bear the cities’ name and will reaffirm that bond,” said Capt. Mike Taylor, LCS program manager. “We are honored to lay the keel of a ship which will protect our freedom and keep us safe as our Sailors operate her on the world’s seas.”

The ship is being built by an industry team led by Lockheed Martin at Fincantieri Marinette Marine Corporation in Marinette. The future USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul will be approximately 388 feet in length and have a width of nearly 58 feet.

LCS is a modular, reconfigurable ship designed to meet validated fleet requirements for surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and mine countermeasures missions in the littoral region. An interchangeable mission package is embarked on each LCS and provides the primary mission systems in one of these warfare areas. Using an open architecture design, modular weapons, sensor systems and a variety of manned and unmanned vehicles to gain, sustain and exploit littoral maritime supremacy, LCS provides U.S. joint forces access to critical theaters.

Program Executive Office Littoral Combat Ships is responsible for delivering and sustaining littoral mission capabilities to the fleet.

Keel Laid for Future USS Kansas City (LCS 22)

Site Administrator — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 18:34:29 GMT

MOBILE, Ala. (Nov. 15, 2017) Scott Beauchemin, left, from General Dynamics Mission Systems; Adm. Phil Davidson, commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command; ship’s sponsor Tracy Davidson; Craig Perciavalle, Austal USA president; Adan Silva-Garibay, an Austal USA A-class welder; Tim McCue, Austal USA vice president of the Littoral Combat Ship Program, and Adm. John Neagley, pose for a photograph during a keel laying ceremony for the future Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Kansas City (LCS 22) at the Austal USA shipyard. USS Kansas City is the second ship to be named for Kansas City, Mo., the largest city in the state. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Austal USA/Released)

(Article originally appeared courtesy of Navy.mil)

The U.S. Navy held a keel laying and authentication ceremony for the future USS Kansas City (LCS 22) at Austal USA’s shipyard here Nov. 15.

Ship’s sponsor Tracy Davidson, wife of Adm. Philip Davidson, Commander Fleet Forces Command, authenticated the keel for the 11th Independence variant of the littoral combat ship class during the ceremony. While keel laying traditionally represents the formal start of a ship’s construction, advanced modular shipbuilding allows fabrication of the ship to begin months in advance. Today, keel laying continues to symbolically recognize the joining of the ship’s components and the ceremonial beginning of the ship.

“In the coming months, the hardworking men and women of Austal USA will pull one million feet of cable, install 550,000 square feet of insulation, weld 75,000 feet of pipe and shape 850 metric tons of aluminum into an engineering marvel,” said Rear Adm. John Neagley, program executive officer for Littoral Combat Ships.

LCS seaframe program manager’s representative, Navy Cmdr. Chris Addington, commended the Austal USA shipbuilders at the event.

“Through the hard work and dedication of the men and women of Austal, this keel will be built up to a highly-capable Navy ship,” he said. “Thanks to all of you for the effort that will be put into completing this great ship that will exemplify its namesake city.”

Kansas City will be approximately 418 feet in length, with a width of nearly 104 feet.

LCS is a modular, reconfigurable ship designed to host interchangeable mission packages onto the seaframe in support of surface warfare, mine countermeasures and anti-submarine warfare. The Navy’s LCS class consists of the Freedom variant and the Independence variant, designed and built by two industry teams. The Independence variant team is led by Austal USA and the Freedom variant team is led by Lockheed Martin. Both variants are purchased under a block-buy acquisition strategy. There are currently 13 LCSs under construction.

Program Executive Office Littoral Combat Ships is responsible for delivering and sustaining littoral mission capabilities to the fleet.

Future USS Leah H. Sutcliffe Higbee (DDDG 123) Keel Authenticated

Site Administrator — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 18:37:51 GMT

Ship’s Sponsors (left to right) Virginia Munford, Louisa Dixon and Pickett Wilson trace their initials onto a steel plate that will be welded inside the guided missile destroyer Lenah H. Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123). Photo by Michael Duhe/HII

(This article originally appeared courtesy of Navy.mil)

The keel of the future USS Lenah H. Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123) was ceremoniously laid Nov. 14, at the Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) shipyard.

The ship’s keel was authenticated by the ship’s sponsors, Louisa Dixon, Virginia Munford and Rolanda Pickett Wilson. The authenticators etched their initials into the keel plate to symbolically recognize the joining of modular components and the ceremonial beginning of the ship.

“The keel laying is the first major event in a shipbuilding program and the keel is known as the backbone of the ship,” said Capt. Casey Moton, DDG-51 class program manager, Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. “With the keel in place, the ship will begin to take shape and I look forward to seeing that happen over the next several months.”

The ship’s namesake, Lenah H. Sutcliffe Higbee, served as the second Superintendent of the Navy Nurse Corps in 1911 and received the Navy Cross for distinguished service in the line of her profession and devotion to duty. When she entered naval service in 1908, she was one of the first 20 women to join the newly established Navy Nurse Corps and contributed her nursing skills to the Navy during the First World War.

DDG-123 will be configured as a Flight IIA destroyer, which enables power projection, forward presence and escort operations at sea in support of low intensity conflict/coastal and littoral offshore warfare as well as open ocean conflict. The ship will be equipped with the Navy’s Aegis Combat System, the world’s foremost integrated naval weapon. The ship will also incorporate Cooperative Engagement Capability that, when combined with the Aegis Combat System, will permit groups of ships and aircraft to link their radars to provide a composite picture of the battle space, effectively increasing the theater space. The capability is designed to provide the Navy with a 21st century fighting edge.

HII’s Pascagoula shipyard is also currently in production on the future destroyers Ralph Johnson (DDG 114), Paul Ignatius (DDG 117), Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) and Frank E. Petersen, Jr (DDG 121). Additionally, HII is under contract for the future USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125) which will be the first Flight III ship.

Future USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) Keel Authenticated

Site Administrator — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 17:41:10 GMT

(Photo Courtesy SeaWaves)

(This article originally appeared courtesy Navy.mil)

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (NNS) — The keel for the future USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) was authenticated during a ceremony at Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), Oct. 13.

Keel laying is the traditional start of ship construction. In the age of wooden ships, ‘keel laying’ referred to the laying down of the piece of timber serving as the backbone of the ship or keel. Although modern manufacturing techniques allow fabrication of portions of a ship to begin many months earlier, the joining together of modules is considered the formal beginning of a ship.

The keel was authenticated to be “truly and fairly laid” by the ship’s sponsor, Meredith Berger, former Deputy Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Navy who previously served as a senior policy advisor within the Department of Defense, the Environmental Protection Agency and the State of Florida.

“I’m very honored to have Ms. Berger here today to take part in this event,” said Capt. Brian Metcalf, LPD 17 class program manager for Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. “Authentication of the ship’s keel is a major ship event and we’re looking forward to leveraging the experience and expertise of the Ingalls Shipbuilding team to achieve future production milestones.”

San Antonio-class ships are designed to support embarking, transporting, and landing elements of over 800 Marines by landing craft, air cushion vehicles, helicopters, or MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft. These ships support a variety of amphibious assault, special operations or expeditionary warfare missions, operating independently or as part of amphibious readiness groups, expeditionary strike groups, or joint task forces. The versatility of these ships also allow support of humanitarian efforts; USS New York (LPD 21), a sister ship, is currently underway from Mayport, Florida, offering support in the wake of Hurricane Irma.

LPD-28 is named in honor of the Florida city and will be the first Navy vessel to bear the name and will be the Navy’s 12th San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship. The future USS Fort Lauderdale is planned for delivery in 2021. Eleven LPD-17 ships have been delivered, the most recent being USS Portland (LPD 27), which was delivered Sept. 18, 2017. HII is also procuring long lead time material and advance procurement in support of LPD-29.

2013-2014 Society of Sponsors Video

Site Administrator — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 17:44:15 GMT

This Video shows the twelve ship christenings and commissionings that occurred from May 2013 to April 2014. The Society of Sponsors gratefully acknowledges and thanks our friends at the Naval Historical Foundation who produced the video for us.

https://youtu.be/_Ufj43DeVbM

Navy Lays Keel for PCU North Dakota

Site Administrator — Fri, 11 May 2012 17:45:58 GMT

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (NNS) — The Navy celebrated the keel-laying of Pre-Commissioning Unit North Dakota (SSN 784) at General Dynamics Electric Boat-Quonset Point division in North Kingstown, May 11.

In a time-honored Navy tradition, ship’s sponsor Katie Fowler, wife of retired Vice Adm. Jeff Fowler, had her initials welded onto a steel plate that will be permanently affixed to North Dakota‘s hull.

“Being chosen to be the sponsor of North Dakota has been a great joy of my life,” said Fowler. “I am looking forward to a life-long relationship with my ship and its crew.”

Fowler, a native of Virginia, also stated that she was proud to be a sponsor of a Virginia-class submarine.

“USS North Dakota will always be in my thoughts and prayers,” said Fowler prior to the welding of her initials, which signifies a bond between the submarine and her crew.

Fowler, a former educator, has also served as a community leader as well as a supportive volunteer for most of her husband’s active-duty career. She has been recognized for her volunteer efforts with two Navy Public Service Awards.

Military attendees at the keel laying event included Adm. Kirkland Donald, director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion; Vice Adm. John Richardson, commander, Submarine Forces; Rear Adm. Dave Johnson, PEO Submarines; Rear Adm. Rick Breckenridge, commander, Submarine Group 2; and Rear Adm. Stuart Munsch, deputy director, Undersea Warfare (OPNAV N97).

“The Navy/industry shipbuilding team continues to build and deliver these outstanding assets ahead of schedule and ready to contribute to the high tempo operations our Submarine Force executes around the globe,” said Rear Adm. David Johnson, program executive officer for Submarines.

Vice Adm. John Richardson, commander, Submarine Forces Atlantic spoke during the ceremony emphasizing the importance of partnerships.

“Today marks the first time we bring together the whole team of partners as we start this journey together,” said Richardson. “To mark our dedication, we’ll strike an arc and weld our sponsor’s initials into the steel that will become one of the most capable warships in the world – extending our undersea superiority for decades.”

Richardson also emphasized the important role of the ship’s sponsor during the life of the submarine.

“I can think of no one better, than her sponsor Ms. Katie Fowler, who has become the heart and soul of this crew,” said Richardson. “In the tradition of her namesake state, from this moment on, may the North Dakota always be a ‘Peace Garden’ for our friends and allies, and be like the ‘Rough Riders’ to those who threaten us.”

Government officials from Rhode Island and North Dakota also attended the milestone event, as well as a commissioning committee delegation.

“The May 11 keel laying ceremony for our USS North Dakota marks the first major milestone in the journey of the second U.S. Navy ship to be named after our great state of North Dakota,” said Bob Wefald, PCU North Dakota Commissioning Committee chair.

“As the commissioning chair, I’m delighted to be able to attend this ceremony as all of us in North Dakota intend to keep this marvelous submarine and its crew in thoughts and prayers not only in its construction, but throughout its thirty-three years of expected service life,” said Wefald.

The congressional leadership who attended included Rhode Island Governor Lincoln D. Chafee; Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, of Rhode Island; Sen. John Hoeven, of North Dakota; Rep. Jim Langevin, of Rhode Island; and Rep. David Cicilline, of Rhode island. North Dakota‘s keel-laying is the submarine’s first major event since it began construction in 2009.

In addition to North Dakota‘s keel laying, the Virginia-class program will celebrate PCU Mississippi‘s (SSN 782) commissioning in June and PCU Minnesota‘s (SSN 783) christening in November.

Cmdr. Doug Gordon, PCU North Dakota‘s commanding officer also emphasized the meaning of this event for the shipyard and the crew.

“Today’s keel laying event is not only an important milestone event in the construction phase of North Dakota, but also is a testament to the hard work by our shipbuilding partners and the crew,” said Gordon.

PCU North Dakota, the second ship named in honor of North Dakota, will be delivered by General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton and will be the 11th Virginia-class submarine when it is commissioned in 2014.

The only other ship to bear the name North Dakota was the Delaware-class USS North Dakota (BB 29), which was in service from 1910 to 1923.

Virginia-class submarines are designed to dominate the world’s littoral and deep waters while conducting anti-submarine; anti-surface ship; strike; irregular; and mine warfare missions; as well as support special operation forces; and covert intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

Keel Laid for First DDG 1000 Destroyer

Site Administrator — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:50:05 GMT

From Program Executive Office, Ships Public Affairs

BATH, Maine (NNS) — The U.S. Navy laid the keel for its first Zumwalt-class destroyer (DDG 1000), Nov. 17, at General Dynamics-Bath Iron Works shipyard in Bath, Maine.

While keel laying was once traditionally the formal recognition of the start of the ship’s construction, today’s advanced modular shipbuilding allows fabrication of the ship to begin months before. However, the keel laying continues to symbolically recognize the joining of the ship’s components and the ceremonial beginning of the ship.

“Keel laying is just the first of many important milestones and events in bringing Zumwalt to life,” said Capt. Jim Downey, DDG 1000 program manager, Program Executive Office, Ships. “With the outstanding team we have assembled, I look forward to building on the superb progress we’ve achieved to date and delivering this extremely capable warship to the Fleet.”

The lead ship and class are named in honor of former Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Elmo R. “Bud” Zumwalt Jr., who served as chief of naval operations from 1970-1974. The ship’s co-sponsors, Ann Zumwalt, Mouzetta Zumwalt-Weathers, and Lt.Col. James G. Zumwalt symbolically authenticated the keel with a plate displaying the initials of all four children of the ship’s namesake, including eldest son, the late-Elmo R. Zumwalt III.

Construction began on DDG 1000 in February 2009, and the Navy and its industry partners have worked to mature the ship’s design and ready their industrial facilities to build this advanced surface combatant. Zumwalt is currently more than 60 percent complete and scheduled to deliver in fiscal year 2014. Construction on the second ship of the class, Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001), began March 2010.

Designed for sustained operations in the littorals and land attack, the multi-mission DDG 1000 will provide independent forward presence and deterrence, support special operations forces, and operate as an integral part of joint and combined expeditionary forces. This warship integrates numerous critical technologies, systems, and principles into a complete warfighting system. These include employment of optimal manning through human systems integration, improved quality of life, low operations and support costs, multi-spectral signature reduction, balanced warfighting design, survivability, and adaptability.

Navy Lays Keel for PCU Minnesota

Site Administrator — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 17:52:53 GMT

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. May 20, 2011 – The Navy celebrated a key milestone on May 20, with the keel laying of PCU Minnesota (SSN 783) at Huntington Ingalls Industries – Newport News Shipbuilding (HII –NNS) in Newport News, Va.

In a time-honored Navy tradition, ship sponsor Ellen Roughead, wife of Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead, had her initials welded onto a steel plate that will be permanently affixed to Minnesota’s hull. Mrs. Roughead, a former educator, has been a tireless supporter of military families and continuing education initiatives for Navy spouses. “We are honored to have Mrs. Roughead as Minnesota’s sponsor,” said Rear Adm. (sel.) Michael Jabaley, Virginia Class program manager. “The keel laying marks the beginning of a special relationship between Mrs. Roughead, this submarine, and her crew. Her dedication and support of our Sailors and their families is admirable and will pay dividends for the Submarine Force for years to come.”

Minnesota’s keel laying is the submarine’s first major event since it began construction in February 2008; the submarine is on track to continue the Virginia Class program’s trend of early deliveries.

“Our shipbuilding partners have done an outstanding job of reducing the amount of time it takes to deliver these much-needed platforms,” said Rear Adm. David Johnson, program executive officer for Submarines. “Their hard work and ingenuity have helped put Virginia-class submarines with their tremendous capabilities into the hands of the Submarine Force at an increasing rate.”

Minnesota is the tenth submarine of the Virginia class and the last of the second, or Block II, construction contract. The submarine, like all Virginia-class boats, is being built under a unique construction contract between HII–NNS and General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB). In addition to Minnesota’s keel laying, the Virginia Class program will celebrate PCU California’s (SSN 781) commissioning in October and PCU Mississippi’s (SSN 782) christening in December. Also, for the first time in 22 years, the Navy will begin construction of two submarines of the same class in the same year when the unnamed SSN 787 officially starts construction in September.

Virginia-class submarines are designed to dominate the world’s littoral and deep waters while conducting anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface ship warfare; strike warfare; special operation forces support; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions. Their inherent stealth, endurance, mobility, and firepower directly enable them to support five of the six Maritime Strategy Core Capabilities – Sea Control, Power Projection, Forward Presence, Maritime Security, and Deterrence.