NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - The keel for the Navy's next Virginia-class submarine was laid Saturday at Newport News Shipbuilding.
The Delaware (SSN 791) is sponsored by Dr. Jill Biden, the wife of Vice-President Joe Biden.
"Obviously it’s a symbolic laying of the foundation for the structural ship itself. In addition to that, what’s really important to us it’s also the initial manning of the submarine," PCU Delaware Commanding Officer Commander Brian Hogan told NewsChannel 3's Todd Corillo Friday.
"Being a part of the first crew is a tremendous honor. Not only do you get to be a plank owner for that boat you’re also attached to it for the rest of your life," PO1 Nathan Nosar added.
The Delaware will be the 18th Virginia-class submarine to be built.
"The submarine business today represents probably about a third of the business space. About 4,000 to 4,500 folks touch these submarines over the course of putting it together over a 16 month build span," Matt Needy, Newport News Shipbuilding Virginia-class submarine program director shared.
Lawrence Britt had the honor of welding Dr. Biden's initials into the submarine Saturday.
"It’s pressure period you know all the people. Not used to working around crowds. I’m used to being on my job doing my work without a lot of people around so this will be kind of different. But it’s what I do everyday so I should have no problem," he said Friday.
More: Click here to read Dr. Jill Biden's speech at Delaware keel laying ceremony
