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NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding Division held a keel authentication ceremony in December. 11 for the Virginia-class Massachusetts (SSN 798) attack submarine, the company said in a press release. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event took place virtually without an audience.
« This construction milestone is typically a small ceremony attended by shipbuilders and submarine crews, » said Jennifer Boykin, president of Newport News Shipbuilding. “Given the current COVID-19 environment and the necessary precautions, today’s event is smaller than usual but does not matter. ”
“Today’s event marks a significant milestone in the life of the boat as it is the official start of construction, but it also marks the beginning of an important partnership between our shipbuilders who will build this mighty warship and the sailors who will bring it will bring them to life, ”added Boykin.
Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook’s Chief Operating Officer, is the ship’s sponsor. In a recorded video message, Sandberg etched her initials onto a metal plate, which means that the keel of SSN 798 is “really and fairly laid”. ”
Ronnie Payne, a master shipbuilder who has worked on every Virginia-class submarine built in Newport News, traced Sandberg’s initials with a welding torch in the company’s add-on equipment facility. The metal plate remains attached to the ship throughout its life.
« This year has been difficult for so many, and I am particularly grateful for moments like these when we can celebrate such an important milestone together, » said Sandberg. “I have great respect for the shipbuilders who will bring this ship to life. I am so grateful for the opportunity to develop a lifelong bond with this boat and its crew in my role as a sponsor. ”
Massachusetts is 25. Virginia-class rapid attack submarine that is being built under the team agreement with General Dynamics Electric Boat. The construction work began in March 2017 and is approx. 50% completed. The boat is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy in 2023.
« One of the privileges of establishing a command from the start is developing a relationship with the boat’s namesake – a relationship inherited from our ancestors that will last the life of the ship and beyond, » said Cmdr. Erik Lundberg, commander of the pre-commissioning unit. “Our mission is clear: provide the Navy and our nation with the most advanced and capable warship, with an equally advanced and skilled crew to bring them to life. The Massachusetts garrison is ready. ”
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Virginia-Class Submarine, Newport News Shipbuilding, Submarine, USS Massachusetts (SSN-798), Assault Submarine, United States Navy
<br World News – US – HII Authenticates Keel of Virginia Class Massachusetts Assault Submarine – Seapower
. . Associated Title :
– Kiel for the Virginia class authenticates the Massachusetts submarine at Newport News Shipbuilding
– A keel-laying ceremony – but without Keel – for the Massachusetts submarine
– HII authenticates the keel of the Virginia submarine -Class Massachusetts
– <a href = "/? S = Photo Release – Huntington Ingalls Industries authenticates the keel of the Virginia-class attack submarine in Massachusetts . . . Photo Release – Huntington Ingalls Industries authenticates the keel of the Virginia-class attack submarine in Massachusetts . . .
Ref: https://seapowermagazine.org
