HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division welcomed media to the shipyard on Wednesday, Aug. 2 for the keel authentication of Virginia-class submarine Oklahoma (SSN 802).

Media members were able to witness the authentication and then talk with NNS leadership, shipbuilders, the commanding officer of PCU Oklahoma, and ship’s sponsor Mary “Molly” Slavonic.   

To learn more about Oklahoma (SSN 802), visit HII.com/SSN802.

Check out coverage from The Journal Record, KOTV, KWTV, KTUL, and the story from 13News Now below.

Newport News Shipbuilding holds ‘keel authentication’ ceremony for future USS Oklahoma

(August 2, 2023 by Mike Gooding)

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — When completed, the USS Oklahoma will become the Navy’s 29th Virginia-class submarine and the 14th to be delivered by Newport News Shipbuilding.

You could say it’s a product that has stood the test of time.

“The quality, the expertise that has gone into designing these ships, and preparing them not just for going to sea, but going to war. These ships are the top of their class and the best in the world,” said Commander Aaron Stutzman, Commanding Officer of Pre-Commissioning Unit Oklahoma.

“We’ve got a great design. We’ve got a very engaged workforce, and we’ve got a good teaming arrangement with Electric Boat. And the Navy wants these submarines,” said Bob Meyer, Newport News Shipbuilding Virginia Class Constriction Director.

Click here to read the full story from 13News Now.