NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Nov. 19, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HIIs HI I The shipbuilding division of Newport News (NNS) today held a keel authentication ceremony for Virginia-class submarine Arkansas (SSN800).

The ship’s sponsors are the six women of the historical group Little Rock Nine, the first African American students to attend the all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, during the period of desegregation. NNS honored all nine members, including the three men, during Saturday’s ceremony.

The Little Rock Nine made history in 1957 with their response to the Supreme Court ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, which ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. With screaming mobs, threats of violence, and hostile state leaders blocking their path, the teens were escorted to the school by federal troops on orders from President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Photos accompanying this press release are available at: https://hii.com/news/hii-virginia-class-attack-submarine-arkansas-ssn-800-keel.

“Your courageous spirit will forever inspire Arkansas and her crew. This group forever changed the history of our nation, and their sub will help ensure their legacy lives on,” said Jennifer Boykin, President of NNS. We use this strength every day in the shipyard. Our diversity allows us to push our own limits, reach new heights and build each boat even better than the one before. Arkansas will be a testament to that power.”

During Saturday’s ceremony, NNS welders etched six historic sets of Little Rock Nine initials onto metal plates, signifying that the SSN 800’s keel was “truly and fairly laid.” The metal plates remain attached to the submarine throughout its lifespan.

“(Former Navy) Secretary Ray Mabus asked us to support the ship and her crew. I signed up as a foster family…