Michelle Obama Sponsors Attack Submarine
General Dynamics Electric Boat has delivered to the U.S. Navy an attack submarine that is sponsored by first lady Michelle Obama and will be named for her home state, reports AP.
The submarine will become the USS Illinois (SSN 786) after more than five years of construction. The first lady, who's from Chicago, will be involved in the life of the submarine and the lives of its sailors and their families.
The submarine will begin its active service at a commissioning ceremony on Saturday, October 29.
It took thousands of shipyard employees in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Virginia, and submarine supply businesses, nationwide to build the $2.7 billion attack submarine.
Electric Boat, based in Groton, has been designing and building submarines since 1900.
The Navy has ordered 15 more Virginia-class submarines, and 10 of those are under construction. The last of the 15 is scheduled to be delivered in 2023 as the 28th member of the class.
