On 25 March, the U.S. Navy’s largest shipbuilder, Huntington Ingalls, hosted a keel authentication ceremony today for the Virginia-class attack submarine New Jersey (SSN 796).
“We enjoy participating in the Navy’s many traditions,” said Jennifer Boykin, president of Newport News Shipbuilding. “They offer us an opportunity to pause and reflect on our daily work and remind the talented shipbuilders and the crew of the important role we all play in something much greater than ourselves—our nation’s defense.
“This tradition also begins a journey and lifelong partnership between the sponsor and the ship,” Boykin added. “It is said that a sponsor’s spirit becomes part of the ship.”
Susan DiMarco, a retired dentist, community volunteer and wife of former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, is the ship’s sponsor. She chalked her initials onto a metal plate. Shipbuilder Jess Batruk, who is originally from New Jersey, then traced the initials with a welding torch, signifying the keel of SSN 796 as being “truly and fairly laid.” The metal plate will remain affixed to the ship throughout its life.
“I am extremely proud to sponsor the submarine New Jersey, named for my home state,” DiMarco said. “My family prides itself on service to our great country, and I am pleased to contribute in this way.”
Jeh Johnson and the couple’s son, Jeh Johnson Jr., who serves in the U.S. Coast Guard, attended the ceremony. Other guests included Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., Rep. Donald Norcross, D-N.J., and the sub’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Joseph Spinks.
New Jersey is the 23rd Virginia-class fast attack submarine. Construction began in March 2016 and is about 42 percent complete. The boat is scheduled for delivery to the Navy in 2021.
Fast-attack submarines like Virginia are multi-mission platforms enabling five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities – sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence.
The submarine is designed to excel in anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, special operations, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, to projecting power ashore with special operation forces and Tomahawk cruise missiles in the prevention or preparation of regional crises.
