KEEL AUTHENTICATION
Newport News Shipbuilding held a keel authentication for Virginia-class submarine Oklahoma (SSN 802) on Wednesday, Aug. 2, to celebrate the symbolic beginning of the U.S. Navy submarine’s construction. Watch as NNS authenticates the keel for Oklahoma (SSN 802).
ABOUT THE SUBMARINE
Oklahoma (SSN 802) is the 29th boat in the Virginia-class, built under a unique teaming agreement between HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division and General Dynamics Electric Boat. Suppliers nationwide provide material and equipment to support the Virginia-Class Submarine Program and thousands of shipbuilders will be involved in the submarine’s construction.
THE HISTORY OF OKLAHOMA
It’s been more than 75 years since the U.S. Navy’s fleet has included a ship named for the state of Oklahoma. SSN 802 will be the second vessel and the first U.S. Navy submarine to bear the state’s name. USS Oklahoma (BB 37), a Nevada-class battleship, was the first. BB 37, commissioned in May 1916, played important roles in the Navy’s fleet, including escorting President Woodrow Wilson during voyages to and from France helping to evacuate U.S. citizens and others during the Spanish Civil War. During the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, BB 37 was struck by several Japanese torpedoes, leading to its fateful end. The ship was decommissioned in 1944. Today, the USS Oklahoma Memorial is part of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial honoring the ship and its sailors.
The image below is a historical photo of BB 37.
MARY "MOLLY" SLAVONIC
SHIP'S SPONSOR
Mary “Molly” Slavonic was named Ship’s Sponsor for the Virginia-class submarine Oklahoma (SSN 802) by Secretary of the Navy Kenneth Braithwaite in June 2020.
A native Oklahoman, Ms. Slavonic has a long history of civic support to both Oklahoma and the U.S. Navy.
ALEX VANCAMPEN
WELDER
Welder Alex VanCampen began his career at Newport News Shipbuilding four years ago, and he is excited about participating in the keel authentication for Oklahoma (SSN 802).
