Welcome the newest member of the Navy’s nuclear-powered submarine family! May 3rd saw the commissioning of USS North Carolina (SSN 777) in its namesake state at the Port of Wilmington.

The ship’s sponsor, Mrs. Linda Anne Rich Bowman, wife of Admiral Frank L. “Skip” Bowman, retired US Navy Admiral and former Director, Naval Nuclear Reactors, gave the order, “Officers and crew of the USS North Carolina, man your ship, and bring her to life!”

Over 6,500 guests, including submarine veterans and battleship North Carolina alumni, attended the ceremony. During the event, speeches were made by local and congressional politicians, as well as flag officers of the submarine force. The Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter was the principal speaker at the ceremony.

The Virginia class is the Navy’s newest class of submarine and is the first designed and built post-Cold War in order to meet the challenges of the 21st century. North Carolina is the fourth submarine of the class and has improved stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities, and special warfare enhancements.