Photo Release — Huntington Ingalls Industries Authenticates Keel of Virginia-Class Attack Submarine Massachusetts (SSN 798)

Rhea-AI Summary

Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE: HII) hosted a virtual keel authentication ceremony for the Massachusetts (SSN 798), marking a significant construction milestone for the Virginia-class submarine. The event, adjusted for COVID-19 safety measures, highlighted the partnership between shipbuilders and the vessel's crew. The submarine, approximately 50% complete and scheduled for delivery in 2023, is part of a larger contract with General Dynamics Electric Boat. Jennifer Boykin, president of Newport News Shipbuilding, and Sheryl Sandberg, the ship's sponsor, underscored the importance of this milestone.

Positive

• Keel authentication ceremony signifies the construction kickoff for Massachusetts (SSN 798).
• Construction is approximately 50% complete, indicating progress in the project.
• Scheduled delivery to the Navy is set for 2023, suggesting timely project management.

Negative

• None.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Dec. 11, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (NYSE: HII) Newport News Shipbuilding division hosted a keel authentication ceremony today for Virginia-class attack submarine Massachusetts (SSN 798). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was held virtually, without an audience.

“This construction milestone is typically a small ceremony with shipbuilders and the submarine’s crew in attendance,” said Jennifer Boykin, president of Newport News Shipbuilding. “Given the current COVID-19 environment and the precautions it requires, today’s event is smaller than usual in scope, but not in importance.”

“Today’s event is a significant milestone in the life of the boat because it is the official construction kickoff, but it also marks the beginning of an important partnership between our shipbuilders who will build this mighty war vessel and the sailors who will bring her to life,” Boykin added.

Sheryl Sandberg, chief operating officer of Facebook, is the ship’s sponsor. In a pre-recorded video message, Sandberg etched her initials onto a metal plate, signifying the keel of SSN 798 as being “truly and fairly laid.”

Photos accompanying this release are available at: https://newsroom.huntingtoningalls.com/releases/massachusetts-ssn-798-keel-laying. A video of the ceremony can be found at: https://nns.huntingtoningalls.com/massachusetts.

Ronnie Payne, a master shipbuilder who has worked on every Virginia-class submarine built at Newport News, then traced Sandberg’s initials with a welding torch at the company’s Supplemental Module Outfitting Facility. The metal plate will remain affixed to the ship throughout its life.

“This year has been difficult for so many, and I am extra grateful for moments like this one when we can celebrate such an important milestone together,” Sandberg said. “I have a deep respect for the shipbuilders who will bring this vessel to life. I am so grateful for the opportunity to build a lifelong bond with this boat and its crew in my role as the sponsor.”

Massachusetts is the 25th Virginia-class fast attack submarine being built under the teaming agreement with General Dynamics Electric Boat. Construction began in March 2017 and is approximately 50% complete. The boat is scheduled for delivery to the Navy in 2023. “One of the privileges in establishing a command from the very beginning is developing a relationship with the boat’s namesake state — a relationship inherited from our forebears and one that will last the life of the ship and beyond,” said Cmdr. Erik Lundberg, commanding officer of the pre-commissioning unit. “Our mission is clear — deliver the most advanced, most capable warship to the Navy and our nation with an equally advanced and capable crew to bring her to life. The crew of Massachusetts stands ready.”  

Huntington Ingalls Industries is America’s largest military shipbuilding company and a provider of professional services to partners in government and industry. For more than a century, HII’s Newport News and Ingalls shipbuilding divisions in Virginia and Mississippi have built more ships in more ship classes than any other U.S. naval shipbuilder. HII’s Technical Solutions division supports national security missions around the globe with unmanned systems, defense and federal solutions, and nuclear and environmental services. Headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, HII employs more than 42,000 people operating both domestically and internationally. For more information, visit:

• HII on the web: www.huntingtoningalls.com
• HII on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HuntingtonIngallsIndustries
• HII on Twitter: www.twitter.com/hiindustries  
• HII on YouTube: www.youtube.com/huntingtoningalls
• HII on Instagram: www.instagram.com/huntingtoningalls

Contact:

Duane Bourne
Duane.A.Bourne@hii-co.com
(757) 380-3581

FAQ

What is the significance of the keel authentication ceremony for the <em>Massachusetts</em> (SSN 798)?

The keel authentication ceremony marks the official construction kickoff for the Massachusetts (SSN 798), highlighting its importance in the submarine's lifecycle.

When is the <em>Massachusetts</em> (SSN 798) scheduled for delivery to the Navy?

The Massachusetts (SSN 798) is scheduled for delivery to the Navy in 2023.

What percentage of the <em>Massachusetts</em> (SSN 798) construction is completed?

The construction of the Massachusetts (SSN 798) is approximately 50% complete.

Who is the sponsor of the <em>Massachusetts</em> (SSN 798)?

Sheryl Sandberg, the chief operating officer of Facebook, is the sponsor of the Massachusetts (SSN 798).

What type of submarine is the <em>Massachusetts</em> (SSN 798)?

The Massachusetts (SSN 798) is a Virginia-class fast attack submarine.