11 | 24 | 2014
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
NNS Lays Keel for Washington With weld shields in place and sparks flying, Newport News Shipbuilding, hosted a keel-laying ceremony Saturday for the future USS Washington (SSN 787), a Virginia-class submarine named for the Evergreen State. The submarine’s sponsor is Elisabeth Mabus, daughter of Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus. Acting as the keel authenticator, during the ceremony she chalked her initials onto a metal plate. Her initials were then welded onto the plate, which will be permanently affixed to the submarine as a symbol of her relationship with the ship, its shipbuilders and crew. “I look forward to watching this boat come together from steel and skill,” Elisabeth said. “I look forward to christening it, I look forward to commissioning it, but most of all, I look forward to meeting the men and women who will make up the crew.” Other ceremony participants included Secretary Mabus, who gave the keynote speech; Vice Adm. William Hilarides, commander, Naval Sea Systems Command; Vice Adm. Michael J. Connor, commander, Submarine Forces; Matt Mulherin, president of NNS; and Jeffrey Geiger, president of General Dynamics Electric Boat. “The vessel whose keel we lay today will be the most advanced ship in the world, its... CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 VCS shipbuilder Dustin Utecht welds Elisabeth Mabus’ initials onto a plate that will be permanently affixed to Washington (SSN 787). Photo by Chris Oxley
NNS’ Food Drive to Support the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank Begins Today. ... SEE PG 2
Rep. Steven Palazzo (R-Miss) Visits NNS for a Shipyard Tour on Nov. 21. ... SEE PG 3
Lady Builders Celebrate 20th Anniversary with the “Original Six.” ... SEE PG 4