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Photo Credit: General Dynamics Electric Boat

The first of the Virginia-class submarines, Virginia (SSN 774), was christened August 16 at General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Conn. About 7,500 people attended. The Virginia will be delivered to the Navy in spring 2004.

 

Photo Credit: General Dynamics Electric Boat

There were several speakers, including U.S. Sen. George Allen, U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott and U.S. Rep. Ed Schrock, representing Virginia. Northrop Grumman Newport News President Tom Schievelbein (pictured above) also offered remarks. “We began this teaming as a forward-looking approach to the challenges of post-cold war shipbuilding. It was – we thought – a creative way to build value for the government and the respective companies,” he said. “Today, I can say with confidence that we were right on both counts. The teaming has gone better than we ever anticipated.” Schievelbein credited the skill, commitment and dedication of the engineers, designers and shipbuilders at both companies. Click here for a transcript of Schievelbein's speech.

 

Photo Credit: General Dynamics Electric Boat

The christening was marked by the smash of a champagne bottle by ship sponsor Lynda Johnson Robb, daughter of former President Lyndon B. Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson, and the wife of former U.S. Sen. Charles Robb.