State Rep. Jeanne Ives (D-IL) is onboard to represent the Illinois General Assembly on Oct. 3, when the USS Illinois nuclear submarine is officially christened in Connecticut.
Ives, a U.S. Military Academy graduate, is part of a 20-member delegation who will travel to Groton, Connecticut, for the ceremony.
“This new submarine will join the U.S. Navy fleet as the nation’s first ship since 1897 to bear the name ‘Illinois,’” Ives said. “It is a distinct honor to have been chosen to represent our state at this momentous event.”
The christening and celebration will be held at the shipyard of General Dynamics Electric Board. First Lady Michelle Obama will break the ceremonial bottle of champagne on the bow, announcing the ship’s identity.
Ives and State Rep. Keith Wheeler (R-IL) sponsored HR 200 this year, which lauded the upcoming commissioning of the vessel and congratulated Commander Jesse Porter and his crew on their appointment to the new ship.
“This 13th Virginia Class nuclear submarine will be a real asset to the U.S. Navy fleet,” Ives said. “The submarine is said to be deadly quiet, and I look forward to seeing this vessel as she is commissioned into active service for the U.S. Navy.”
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