CHRISTENING CEREMONY
Newport News Shipbuilding held the christening of Virginia-class submarine Arkansas (SSN 800) on Saturday, Dec. 7.
The tradition of christening a naval vessel goes back centuries. Today, it has evolved into a ceremony that honors the individuality of the ship and the life ahead of her. During the christening ceremony, the ship’s sponsor proclaims, “In the name of the United States I christen thee…” and shatters a ceremonial bottle of American sparkling wine against the bow of the new ship.
Media
Credentialed media members are invited to attend a media preview day on Friday, Dec. 6, and the christening ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 7. U.S. citizenship is required for both events. RSVPs are required by noon on Wednesday, Dec. 4, to Todd Corillo at [email protected] or (757) 688-3220. Satellite coordinates for Saturday’s livestream can be found here:
Satellite Coordinates
Satellite: GALAXY 19 (97 degrees west)
Transponder: Ku Digital 16 – Ch. A
Downlink Frequency: 11988.03 MHz
Downlink Polarity: Horizontal
FEC: 3/4
Symbol Rate: 7.5
DVBS2, 8PSK TRANSMISSION, 4:2:0, 1080i
Window time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Eastern Saturday
REPLAY COVERAGE
ABOUT THE SUBMARINE
Arkansas (SSN 800) is the 27th boat in the Virginia-class, a program recognized by the U.S. Navy as a model of efficiency and quality. Virginia-class submarines are built under a unique teaming arrangement between HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding and General Dynamics Electric Boat. SSN 800 was named in honor of the state of Arkansas on Nov. 8, 2015.
In 2018, former Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus named the six women of the Little Rock Nine Arkansas’ Ship’s Sponsors: Melba P. Beals, Ph.D.; Elizabeth Eckford; Gloria Ray Karlmark; Carlotta Walls LaNier; Minnijean Brown Trickey and Thelma Mothershed Wair.
NNS held a ceremonial keel laying for Arkansas on Nov. 19, 2022, to celebrate the symbolic beginning of the U.S. Navy submarine’s construction. At the event, NNS honored the Little Rock Nine, including the men of the group – Ernest G. Green; Terrence J. Roberts, Ph.D.; and the late Jefferson Thomas. Per Navy tradition, shipbuilders welded their initials onto steel plates that will be affixed to the ship.
KEEL LAYING RECAP
DDD
#SSN800
Shipbuilders, family and friends are encouraged to join in the conversation on social media using #SSN800.
THE LITTLE ROCK NINE
SPONSORS
In 1957, nine African American teenagers made history when they elected to attend all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, fulfilling the landmark Supreme Court decision that ruled racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. When they faced shouting mobs, threats of violence and hostile state leaders who blocked their way, President Dwight D. Eisenhower deployed federal troops to escort them to classes. The Little Rock Nine, as they came to be known, have spent their lives advocating for quality education.
