9 | 8 | 2014
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
John Warner Christened With her husband at one side and a massive submarine bow on the other, Jeanne Warner christened John Warner (SSN 785), the 12th Virginia-class submarine and the only one in the class to be named after a person. The christening took place Saturday during an evening ceremony that ended with fireworks and a laser light show. As the ship’s sponsor, Jeanne Warner performed the traditional honor of smashing a bottle of American sparkling wine across the submarine’s bow before an audience of about 7,000 people. Throughout construction, the Warners watched the submarine come together from the initial keel-laying to the christening. “Each time I see her,” Jeanne Warner said, “I am overwhelmed with pride and emotion and admiration because I know that the USS John Warner will, like her namesake, do what is best for America – protect us and our freedom for many years to come.” Rarely is a ship or submarine named after a living person. John Warner, former U.S. Senator for Virginia and Secretary of the Navy, began his career as a Navy enlisted sailor during the final years of World War II. He went on to become a lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War before returning to Virginia to earn his law degree and begin his political career. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
Shipbuilders Share Thoughts About Event. SEE PG 3
X18 Craftsmen Continue to Keep “Safety First.” SEE PG 4
NNS Hosts U.S. Reps for Tour of Shipyard. SEE PG 4