Keel‑laying ceremony for USS Wisconsin at General Dynamics Electric Boat shipyard in Quonset Point.
Quonset Point, North Kingstown, Rhode Island, August 31, 2025
A ceremonial keel‑laying at General Dynamics Electric Boat’s Quonset Point facility marked the formal start of construction for USS Wisconsin (SSBN 827), the second Columbia‑class ballistic missile submarine. The event included a sponsor authenticator plate, remarks from naval leadership and participation by shipbuilder partners. The Columbia‑class will replace the Ohio‑class fleet and serve as the sea‑based leg of the nuclear deterrent, drawing on a nationwide industrial base of thousands of suppliers. The ceremony prompted community watch parties and some protests. Fabrication and assembly will continue across multiple shipyards and supplier sites through the program lifecycle.
North Kingstown, Rhode Island — A ceremonial keel‑laying for the submarine USS Wisconsin (SSBN 827) took place on August 27 at a shipyard facility in Quonset Point, marking the formal start of construction for the second Columbia‑class ballistic missile submarine. The event included traditional shipbuilding rites and public watch parties, and was hosted by the main builder.
The keel‑laying ceremony signals the ceremonial beginning of the submarine’s assembly. The Columbia class is being built to replace older Ohio‑class ballistic missile submarines and to serve as a stealthy, sea‑based leg of the nation’s nuclear deterrent. These submarines are designed to be hard to detect and to provide an assured second‑strike capability—making them a central element of strategic deterrence for decades to come.
A senior official who oversees naval nuclear propulsion delivered keynote remarks emphasizing that the Navy’s ballistic missile submarines are the most survivable component of the country’s nuclear triad and play a central role in deterring conflict and preserving peace. The ceremony included the traditional act of the ship sponsor welding her initials onto a plate; that plate will be permanently mounted aboard the submarine. The keel authenticator and ship sponsor is Dr. Kelly Geurts, a retired educator and military spouse who served in the ceremonial role and is active with the ship’s namesake association.
Construction work on SSBN 827 is being carried out through a teaming arrangement between two major shipbuilders, with one serving as the principal subcontractor. The program draws on a national industrial base that includes more than 3,000 suppliers and contractors, with over 300 companies based in Wisconsin contributing parts, hardware, software and services. Company leadership at the shipyard said the submarine honors the ties between the state and the Navy while stressing commitment to building to specification.
The vessel will be nuclear‑powered and is planned to have a submerged displacement of about 20,810 tons. Program materials describe the boat as the largest submarine ever built by the United States and say it will include advanced acoustics and modern sensors to make it among the quietest and most capable platforms of its kind. The submarine will operate with two rotating crews, known as Blue and Gold, and is expected to enter service in 2031. The estimated program cost for the vessel is about $9 billion.
The ceremonial keel‑laying included watch parties across multiple locations, including in Wisconsin and Virginia. Some public events drew protesters, who argued the program represents a poor use of tax dollars and urged funds be directed to civilian needs such as infrastructure, health and housing. Organizers of the namesake association hosted community events meant to connect local citizens with the submarine, promote naval history, support education, and assist future crew families.
The new submarine carries a historic state name that has appeared on previous U.S. Navy ships, from an early 20th‑century pre‑dreadnought to a World War II battleship that later became a museum vessel. Past ships with the same name served in multiple conflicts and earned campaign honors; the current program positions this new vessel as a modern continuation of that naval legacy.
The main writeup on the construction milestone was prepared by a defense and technology reporter with experience covering modern weapons and industry developments.
A keel‑laying ceremony is a traditional event that marks the formal start of a ship’s construction. For modern submarines with rounded hulls, the ritual usually includes a ceremonial plate bearing the sponsor’s initials that will be mounted aboard the vessel.
The Columbia class is a new series of ballistic missile submarines built to replace the older Ohio‑class boats. They are designed for stealth, long endurance, and to carry submarine‑launched ballistic missiles as part of the nation’s nuclear deterrent.
Ballistic missile submarines are widely regarded as the most survivable element of the nuclear triad because they can remain hidden at sea for extended periods, providing a credible second‑strike capability that helps deter nuclear attack.
Construction is being carried out through a teaming arrangement between two major U.S. shipbuilders, with one company acting as principal subcontractor. The work relies on thousands of suppliers nationwide, including hundreds based in Wisconsin.
The vessel is expected to enter service in 2031, following completion, testing and crew training.
The estimated program cost for this submarine is approximately $9 billion.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Vessel name | USS Wisconsin (SSBN 827) |
| Class | Columbia‑class — second boat of the class |
| Role | Ballistic missile submarine (“boomer”) |
| Displacement | Approx. 20,810 tons submerged |
| Propulsion | Nuclear‑powered |
| Crews | Two rotating crews — Blue and Gold |
| Projected in‑service | 2031 |
| Estimated cost | About $9 billion |
| Industrial base | More than 3,000 suppliers nationwide; 300+ in Wisconsin |
| Sponsor / Keel Authenticator | Dr. Kelly Geurts |
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