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Huntington Ingalls Industries has formally christened the US Navy’s next Virginia Class submarine USS Arkansas at the company’s Newport News Shipbuilding division.
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The USS Arkansas (SSN 800) is the 27th boat in the Virginia Class, a program recognised by the US Navy as a model of efficiency and quality. Virginia Class submarines are built under a unique teaming arrangement between Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) and General Dynamics Electric Boat. SSN 800 was named in honour of the state of Arkansas on 8 November 2015.
The ship’s sponsors are the six women of the historic Little Rock Nine, the first African American students to integrate the all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, during desegregation. All nine members of this trailblazing group were honoured during Saturday’s ceremony.
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.”
During the ceremony, Carlotta Walls LaNier, representing the group, carried out the time-honoured tradition of breaking a bottle of American sparkling wine across the submarine’s bow. She also addressed the audience, both in person and those tuning in virtually worldwide, expressing gratitude to the shipbuilders who contributed to the construction of USS Arkansas.
On behalf of the other members, sponsor Carlotta Walls LaNier said to the workforce gathered, “You are part of the crew who built Arkansas. Your craftsmanship, your attention to detail, and your support for each other in the workplace made today a reality. Being able to point to something you have done that will outlast and outlive you is a worthy achievement. We offer a grateful nod to each of you who had some part in building Arkansas. Surely, this is an achievement to which you can point with pride.”
The Little Rock Nine made history in 1957 following the landmark US Supreme Court decision in Brown v Board of Education, which declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. Despite facing hostile mobs, violent threats, and opposition from state leaders who attempted to block their entry, the students were escorted into the school by federal troops under the orders of President Dwight D Eisenhower.
Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro provided the keynote address, saying, “Arkansas represents the very best of our submarine force capabilities and will operate confidently with her crew at sea. She will always be propelled by the proud legacy of her namesake, represented here today by three of her courageous sponsors, who overcame tremendous adversity as members of the Little Rock Nine.”
Meanwhile, Commander Michael Huber, commanding officer of the pre-commissioning unit added, “The christening of Arkansas demonstrates the power of innovation and the dedication of our shipbuilders. Today, Arkansas is one step closer to sailing away from our shores, building on the brave example set by her sponsors, defending American ideals and protecting freedom around the world.”
NNS held a ceremonial keel laying for Arkansas on 19 November 2022 to celebrate the symbolic beginning of the US Navy submarine’s construction. At the event, NNS honoured the Little Rock Nine, including the men of the group – Ernest G Green; Terrence J Roberts, PhD, and the late Jefferson Thomas. Per Navy tradition, shipbuilders welded their initials onto steel plates that will be affixed to the ship.
