5 l 1 l 2017
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Indiana (SSN 789) is Christened Newport News Shipbuilding held a christening ceremony for Indiana (SSN 789), the 16th Virginia-class submarine, Saturday, April 29. With a single swing, ship’s sponsor Diane Donald performed the traditional honor of breaking a bottle of American sparkling wine across the submarine's hull. Donald is the wife of Adm. Kirkland Donald (U.S. Navy, Ret.), former director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion. “It’s the honor of a lifetime to be here today,” said Donald. “While the size of the submarine alone is stunning, the complexity inside sets it apart from any other machine ever built. These ships are second to none, made in America by truly remarkable Americans.” Vice President Mike Pence, former governor of Indiana, served as the ceremony’s keynote speaker. “He sent me here today on this historic occasion as a sign of his deep commitment to the Armed Forces of the United States of America, Photo by Ashley Major
and to his commitment to make the strongest fighting force in the world even stronger still,” Pence said of Trump. Speaking to the shipbuilders, he acknowledged their dedication and skill. “You have the gratitude of the commander in chief for your unwavering commitment to your country, your patriotism, your craftsmanship, and rest assured, President Trump will honor your commitment with historic investments in our national defense.” Other ceremony participants included Master Shipbuilder Samuel Brandon, who performed the national anthem; Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.); Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.); Sec. Sean Stackley, acting secretary of the Navy; Vice Adm. Joseph Tofalo, commander, Submarine Forces; Adm. Tom Fargo (U.S. Navy, Ret.), HII chairman of the board; Mike Petters, HII president and CEO; Matt Mulherin, NNS president; and Jeffrey Geiger, president, General Dynamics Electric Boat. Stackley spoke of the U.S. Navy’s important presence around... CONTINUED ON PG 3