HII Authenticates Keel of Virginia-Class Attack Submarine Oklahoma (SSN 802)

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., (Aug. 2, 2023) – HII’s (NYSE: HII) Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division authenticated the keel today for Virginia-class attack submarine Oklahoma (SSN 802). “We enjoy participating in Navy traditions like this one because they remind us of the important role we play in our nation’s defense,” NNS President Jennifer Boykin said. “The nuclear submarines we build help ensure our peace and freedoms, and we take great pride in being a nuclear shipyard.” The ship’s sponsor is Mary “Molly” Slavonic, an Oklahoma native. Slavonic has long supported both the state of Oklahoma and the Navy. She worked alongside her husband, former acting Under Secretary of the Navy Greg Slavonic, in building the USS Oklahoma (BB 37) Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, to honor the 429 sailors and Marines who died aboard the battleship during the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. During Wednesday’s authentication, NNS welder Alex VanCampen etched Slavonic’s initials onto a metal plate, signifying the keel of SSN 802 as being “truly and fairly laid.” The metal plate will remain affixed to the submarine throughout its life. “I am deeply honored to be the sponsor for Oklahoma, named in honor of my beloved home state,” Slavonic said. “This milestone marks the beginning of what will be a lifelong bond between my family and Oklahoma, including the incredible shipbuilders constructing her and the brave sailors who will serve aboard this mighty submarine.” Oklahoma is the 29th Virginia-class fast attack submarine, the first of Block V and the 14th to be delivered by NNS. “This time-honored tradition celebrates the hard work of thousands of shipbuilders from HII who have been working on Oklahoma, the first Block V Virginia-class submarine,” said Cmdr. Aaron Stutzman, commanding officer of the pre-commissioning unit. “This important step brings to life Congress’ charge in our constitution to maintain a Navy. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be Oklahoma’s first commanding officer, training our sailors to work alongside the shipyard community building Oklahoma and to be ready to take the world’s most technologically-advanced submarine to sea.” NNS is one of only two shipyards capable of designing and building nuclear-powered submarines for the U.S. Navy. The advanced capabilities of Virginia-class submarines increase firepower, maneuverability and stealth.

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Welder Alex VanCampen welds the initials of ship’s sponsor Mary “Molly” Slavonic onto a metal plate during the keel authentication ceremony for Virginia-class attack submarine Oklahoma (SSN 802) on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023 at HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division. The metal plate will remain affixed to the submarine throughout its life (Photo by Lexi Whitehead/HII). At the weld stand, ship’s sponsor Mary “Molly” Slavonic traces her initials on a metal plate during the keel authentication ceremony for Virginia-class attack submarine Oklahoma (SSN 802) at HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023. Observing from left are NNS welder Alex VanCampen, Cmdr. Aaron Stutzman, commanding officer of the pre-commissioning unit, and NNS President Jennifer Boyk in (Photo by Lexi Whitehead/HII). From left, Cmdr. Aaron Stutzman, commanding officer of the pre-commissioning unit, Newport News Shipbuilding President Jennifer Boykin, NNS welder Alex VanCampen, and ship’s sponsor Mary “Molly” Slavonic at the keel authentication ceremony for Virginia-class attack submarine Oklahoma (SSN 802) at HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023 (Photo by Ashley Cowan/HII). At left, welder Alex VanCampen welds the initials of ship’s sponsor Mary “Molly” Slavonic onto a metal plate during the keel authentication ceremony for Virginia-class attack submarine Oklahoma (SSN 802) on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023 at HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division. Observing from left are Cmdr. Aaron Stutzman, commanding officer of the pre-commissioning unit, Slavonic, and NNS President Jennifer Boykin. The metal plate will remain affixed to the submarine throughout its life (Photo by Ashley Cowan/HII). HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division hosted a keel authentication ceremony for Virginia-class attack submarine Oklahoma (SSN 802) on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023 (Photo by Ashley Cowan/HII).