
NNS Christens Arkansas (SSN 800)
Published December 11, 2024
Newport News Shipbuilding christened Arkansas (SSN 800) Saturday, celebrating the work of shipbuilders and praising the legacy of the Little Rock Nine, whose members serve as ship’s sponsors for the Virginia-class submarine.
More than 3,000 shipbuilders and guests assembled on cold but sunny day to witness the traditional ceremony.
The Little Rock Nine were the first African American students to attend all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, during desegregation. The six women of the group were named as sponsors, and NNS honored all nine members during the ceremony. You can learn more about their inspiring story here.
Three members attended the ceremony: Carlotta Walls LaNier, Gloria Ray Karlmark and Elizabeth Eckford. LaNier christened Arkansas on behalf of the group, breaking a bottle of American sparkling wine across the submarine’s hull.
“You are part of the crew who built Arkansas,” LaNier said. “Your craftsmanship, your attention to detail, and your support for each other in the workplace made today a reality. Being able to point to something you have done that will outlast and outlive you is a worthy achievement.”
NNS President Jennifer Boykin said the example set by the Little Rock Nine is still impactful today.
“As high school students, as young teenagers, they exhibited courage and showed the American people what determination and perseverance looked like,” she said. “Their spirit guided them then, and today, SSN 800 will be instilled with the same spirit of courage, determination and resilience.”
“The christening of Arkansas demonstrates the power of innovation and the dedication of our shipbuilders,” added Cmdr. Michael Huber, SSN 800’s commanding officer.
Newport News shipbuilder Mavis Echols sung the national anthem.
Arkansas is the 27th Virginia-class submarine and the 13th to be delivered by NNS. The submarines are built in a teaming agreement between NNS and General Dynamics Electric Boat.
View photos from the event. A replay of the christening ceremony is available on the HII YouTube page.
