By Lt. James Stockman, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs
GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- The Navy christened its newest Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine "New Hampshire" June 21, at General Dynamics Electric Boat at Groton, Conn.
This christening marks the fourth time the U.S. Navy named a ship after the Granite State. The service awarded the name to the submarine after third-graders from Garrison Elementary School in Dover, N.H., wrote letters to Congress members, the governor and the Secretary of the Navy.
Adm. Kirkland Donald, Naval Nuclear Propulsion director, gave the principal remarks and spoke about the New Hampshire's way ahead.
"There still is a lot of hard work to be done," said Donald. "New Hampshire is entering the fleet during a time of conflict. The missions of this new submarine are vital to victory in this war on terrorism."
Ship sponsor Cheryl McGuinness, a resident of Portsmouth, N.H., christened the boat by breaking a bottle of sparkling champagne over the submarine at the Groton shipyard. Her husband, Tom, died on Sept. 11, 2001. He co-piloted American Airlines Flight 11, an aircraft flowen into the north tower of the World Trade Center that day.
"I'm looking at many heroes," said McGuinness as she spoke to the more than 130 New Hampshire crew members standing before her. "You are all my heroes."
McGuinness added after the ceremony that the New Hampshire symbolizes a new journey of protecting freedom. She says she plans to do all she can to support the New Hampshire and it's crew.
New Hampshire is scheduled to be commissioned in October at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine.
As the Navy's next-generation attack submarine, the Virginia class will provide the U.S. Navy with the capabilities it requires to maintain the nation's undersea supremacy well into the 21st century. New Hampshire will have improved stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and Special Warfare enhancements that will enable it to meet the Navy's multi-mission requirements.