Hawaii Governor Signs Off on Third Virginia-class Submarine
Story Number: NNS040830-07
Release Date: 8/30/2004 12:38:00 PM
By Journalist 1st Class (SW/AW) Mark A. Savage, Naval Submarine Base New London Public Affairs
NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (NNS) -- Several hundred General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB) workers, distinguished visitors and guests wearing orchid leis flown in from Hawaii witnessed a milestone event in the construction of the state’s namesake submarine at GDEB’s Quonset Point facility in North Kingstown, R.I., Aug. 27.
Gov. Linda Lingle of Hawaii left her mark on the third Virginia-class attack submarine when she, with the help of John Weiss, a GDEB welder, inscribed her initials into a metal plate, which will be affixed to the Precommissioning Unit Hawaii (SSN 776).
“This is a great honor that I will remember long after I’m finished being governor of Hawaii,” Lingle said. “As a former mayor and now governor, I’ve affixed my signature to many things through the years, but having my initials engraved in a nuclear submarine is a first for me."
“Hawaii is proud to do its part in defending this nation,” she continued. “We’re proud of our long association with all branches of the U.S. military, and as governor, I will continue to do all I can to further strengthen our relationship. This close partnership is highly important for our state, our country and for friendly nations in the world.”
The Virginia class is the first class of submarines designed specifically to meet the challenges of the post-Cold War era.
“I’m convinced Virginia will deliver the firepower, stealth, endurance and flexibility that will be essential to ensure security and peace for all freedom-loving people of the future,” said Rear Adm. Jeffery B. Cassias, commander, Submarine Group 2, Submarine Group 10 and Navy Region Northeast. “Since I stepped aboard my first ship, USS Haddock (SSN 621) in 1976, we’ve made incredible advancements in the submarine force. It’s been my pleasure to see us progress from the venerable 594-class that I first served on to the magnificent Virginia-class submarine, including the Hawaii.”
“This ship is waiting and rearing to get out to the fleet, and that’s a great thing for all of us who care about the security of this country,” added Adm. Frank L. “Skip” Bowman, director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion. “Virginia is the first and only Navy combatant ship designed specifically for missions after the Cold War that is ready for delivery today. We need to get (Virginia) and all her sister ships out there, including USS Hawaii, in just a couple of short years.”
