USS Delaware (SSN 791) submarine christened
The christening of the USS Delaware (SSN 791) was celebrated Oct. 20. One of the most state-of-the-art submarines, the vessel is the first Navy ship to be named for the First State since 1923 and the seventh vessel to bear its name overall.
Military and elected officials, dedicated sailors and distinguished guests included Dr. Jill Biden, second lady of the United States from 2009-17; Sen. Tom Carper, a 23-year veteran of the Navy; and Gov. John Carney.
At the Newport News Shipyard in Newport News, Va., Biden, Carper and Carney highlighted Delaware’s long and proud naval history dating back to the Revolutionary War, when the Delaware Bay served as the staging ground for the Continental Navy’s first marine mission in 1776.
“One of my life’s greatest honors is being part of the USS Delaware family and your shipmate for life. But I simply represent the people of Delaware who take great pride in this submarine and will stand by its crew and their families,” said Biden, the sponsor of the USS Delaware.
Carper recognized the generations of Americans who have been willing to serve their country in uniform. He honored the new generation of American sailors who will take the new submarine to seas throughout the world to protect the U.S. democracy.
Carney said, “To Commander Brian Hogan and the 135 officers and crew members who will serve aboard the USS Delaware, we thank you for your service to our great country and our national defense. It is a great honor for all Delawareans to be associated with this submarine, its commander and its entire crew.”
The USS Delaware is the 18th boat of the Virginia-class, nuclear-powered fast attack submarines in service with the Navy. Considered the next generation of attack submarines, Virginia-class submarines are capable of submerged speeds in excess of 25 knots and are able to stay submerged for up to three months at a time. Virginia-class submarines are armed with Tomahawk Cruise missiles, MK-48 torpedoes, advanced mobile mines and an unmanned undersea vehicle.
