NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Tuesday was a milestone for Newport News Shipbuilding.

The company hosted a keel laying ceremony, where several leaders took the stage to talk about the future USS Barb (SSN 804), marking the beginning of what will be a long journey.

The keel laying ceremony symbolizes the beginning of the ship’s lengthy construction process.

Newport News Shipbuilding president Kari Wilkinson said today’s event represents a milestone for Barb, noting submarines are a critical asset to the nation.

“Every submarine is important,” Wilkinson said. “We don’t have enough of them. As fast as we can build them, we want to build them, and so this submarine is just another commitment we’re making by laying this keel today to deliver this capability to the fleet, and it's absolutely necessary.

See Full Page