The grounds by the Northrop Grumman Newport News floating dry dock outside the 10-story Module Outfitting Facility bustled with activity July 31 when about 5,000 people gathered to witness First Lady and Ship’s Sponsor Laura Bush swing a ceremonial sparkling wine bottle at the hull of the mammoth submarine Texas.

The event marked one of the last major construction milestones for this Virginia-class submarine and the first time in nearly a decade since the shipyard held a submarine christening.

The crowd included shipbuilders from Northrop Grumman Newport News and General Dynamics Electric Boat along with their families, Texas sailors and their families, as well as distinguished guests such as U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas, who served as the principal speaker. "This is a great day for the forces of good in this world," she said. "This ship is another exhibit in our strong national resolve to win the war on terror."