Proud ship name starts new tradition for U.S.S. Missouri

By: Lindsey M. Frazier
Missouri National Guard Public Affairs


GROTON, Conn--The christening of the new USS Missouri Submarine (SSN-780) was recently held at General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Conn.

This will be the fourth Navy ship to be commissioned in honor of the people of Missouri and its leaders for their continuous support of the military. The last USS Missouri (BB63), a legendary battleship, saw action in World War II, the Korean War, and the Persian Gulf War. It was also the site where Fleet Adm. Chester Nimitz and Gen. Douglas MacArthur accepted the unconditional surrender of the Japanese at the end of World War II.

"The previous U.S.S. Missouri was a key player in world events during the 20th century," said Brig. Gen. Stephen L. Danner, adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard. "As we stand here at the beginning of the 21st century, we can only guess what history this new USS Missouri and her crew will make and witness. It is exciting to be a part of this effort on behalf of the entire Department of Defense."

Several fellow Missourians went to the christening to show their support and to witness a new submarine that will someday be part of American history. U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill delivered the ceremony's principal address.

"Having a maritime tradition isn't what this name is about," McCaskill said. "This name is about a spirit, a mindset. One that is quintessentially American. It is about the self-reliance, practicality, honesty, diligence and quiet patriotism that you find in the people of Missouri."

U.S. Rep. Ike Skelton presented two flags to Command Master Chief Reginald Brown. The first was a U.S. flag that has been flown over the Capitol of the United States, and the second was a state flag that had been flown over the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City.

Becky Gates, wife of Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, served as the ship's sponsor and broke the bottle of sparkling wine, from Missouri's own Stone Hill Winery in Hermann, over the hull of the ship for the official christening.

For Tech. Sgt Michael Marsden, a member of the USS Missouri Commissioning Committee since 2008, the ceremony was a chance to be a part what he called a "once in a lifetime" event. The Air National Guardsman said it was important to remember that though service members might wear different uniforms, all have the same mission.

"Ultimately, we're all on the same team and have the same responsibility of defending our country," Marsden said. "I am very proud to represent the Missouri National Guard, both at this event and as part of the Commissioning Committee."

The Missouri delegation to the christening also included civilian employers of National Guardsmen invited by the Missouri Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

Doug Wheeler, for Fort Wood Investments, LLC, said the experience gave him a better understanding of what his Guard employees do.

"I want to thank the crew and the Missouri National Guard for this wonderful taste of what our military does every day," Wheeler said. "This experience certainly opened my eyes as to what our employees do when they go train on weekend drill. For those who think it is a weekend off, they need to have this experience. It renews my commitment to support of these fine service members."

This marks the seventh Virginia class submarine which, with its sister ships, represents a revolution in submarine design, construction and capability. The USS Missouri is built to excel in anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, strike warfare, special operations, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and mine warfare missions. The 7,800 ton submarine is 377-feet long, has a 34-foot beam, will be able to dive to depths of greater than 800 feet and operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots submerged. The Missouri is designed with a nuclear reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship, reducing lifecycle costs while increasing underway time.


The actual commissioning of the submarine is planned for summer of 2010.

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please call 1-800-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com. For more information about the USS Missouri, visit www.ussmissourisubmarine.org.