The US Navy’s Virginia-class attack submarine, the future USS Arkansas (SSN 800), has been christened at Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII)-Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) in Newport News, Virginia.
The submarine’s sponsors are the six women of the Little Rock Nine, Dr Melba Pattillo Beals, Elizabeth Eckford, Gloria Ray Karlmark, Carlotta Walls Lanier, Minnijean Brown Trickey, and Thelma Mothershed Wair.
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NNS president Jennifer Boykin said: “Today we celebrate the mighty submarine Arkansas, and we honour bravery and impact: the heroes and heroic moments that shape our future and make us who we are.
“As high school students, the Little Rock Nine exhibited courage, and showed the American people what determination and perseverance look like. Their spirit guided them then, and today SSN 800 will be instilled with this same spirit of courage, determination, and resilience.”
Arkansas will be the 27th Virginia-class submarine and the fifth naval vessel to carry the name Arkansas. The original Arkansas was a Civil War-era screw steamer.
It is also the 13th vessel of the class to be delivered by NNS.
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By GlobalDataIn 2022, HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division held a keel authentication ceremony for USS Arkansas SSN 800.
In December 2019, NNS, in partnership with General Dynamics Electric Boat, was awarded a $22bn contract to construct nine Virginia-class submarines.
The two shipyards are the only one equipped to design and construct nuclear-powered submarines for the US Navy.
Navy secretary Carlos Del Toro said: “With her advanced systems, the nation’s best and brightest crew, and her formidable presence, USS Arkansas will play a vital role in maintaining our strategic advantage, ensuring our readiness to respond to any challenge, and protecting our nation’s interests, both at home and abroad.”
The Virginia-class submarines, built with advanced features, enhance firepower, manoeuvrability, and stealth capabilities. They are designed for operations in both littoral and deep waters.
It executes missions such as anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance, irregular warfare, special operations support, intelligence, and mine warfare.
Their capabilities support five of the six core elements of maritime strategy: sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence.
