Navy to Christen Submarines Vermont, Delaware

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Navy will christen two new attack submarines during ceremonies Oct. 20, the Department of Defense announced. The future USS Vermont (SSN 792) will be christened at General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut. The future USS Delaware (SSN 791) will be christened at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries, in Newport News, Virginia.

The principal speaker for the Vermont christening will be Vermont Gov. Phil Scott. Gloria Valdez, former deputy assistant secretary of the Navy (Ships), will serve as the ship’s sponsor. In a time-honored Navy tradition, she will christen the ship by breaking a bottle of sparkling wine across the bow and state, “In the name of the United States, I christen thee.”

For the Delaware ceremony, the principal speaker will be U.S. Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del. Dr. Jill Biden, former second lady of the United States, will serve as the ship’s sponsor.

“The future USS Vermont honors the contributions and support that the state of Vermont has given to our Navy and Marine Corps team throughout the years,” said Navy Secretary Richard V. Spencer. “For decades to come, this boat and the Sailors who will serve on it will stand as a tribute to the patriotic people of Vermont and a testament to the value of the partnership between the Department of the Navy and our industry teammates.”

The future USS Vermont is the third U.S. Navy ship to bear the name of the “Green Mountain State.” The future USS Vermont is the 19th Virginia-class attack submarine and the first of 10 Virginia-class Block IV submarines. The ship’s construction began in May 2014 and it will deliver in the fall of 2019. Vermont will provide the Navy with the capabilities required to maintain the nation’s undersea superiority well into the 21st century.

The future USS Delaware is the seventh ship to bear the name of “The First State.” The future USS Delaware is the 18th Virginia-class attack submarine and the eighth and final Virginia-class Block III submarine. The ship’s construction began in September 2013 and will deliver in 2019.

“Today’s christening marks an important milestone in the life of the future USS Delaware, moving the submarine from a mere hull number to a boat with a name and spirit,” said Spencer. “This submarine honors the contributions and support the state of Delaware has given to our military and will stand as a testament to the increased capabilities made possible through a true partnership between the Department of the Navy and our industry teammates.”

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