NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS)— The Navy celebrated the keel laying of Pre-Commissioning Unit Minnesota at Huntington Ingalls Industries – Newport News Shipbuilding (HII-NNS) in Newport News, Va., May 20.

In a time-honored Navy tradition, ship sponsor Ellen Roughead, wife of Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead, had her initials welded onto a steel plate that will be permanently affixed to Minnesota’s hull. Mrs. Roughead, a former educator, has been a tireless supporter of military families and continuing education initiatives for Navy spouses.

“We are honored to have Mrs. Roughead as Minnesota’s sponsor,” said Capt. Michael Jabaley, Virginia-class program manager. “The keel laying marks the beginning of a special relationship between Mrs. Roughead, this submarine, and her crew. Her dedication and support of our sailors and their families is admirable and will pay dividends for the submarine force for years to come.”

Minnesota’s keel-laying is the submarine’s first major event since it began construction in February 2008; the submarine is on track for early delivery.

“Our shipbuilding partners have done an outstanding job of reducing the amount of time it takes to deliver these much-needed platforms,” said Rear Adm. David Johnson, program executive officer for submarines.

Minnesota is the tenth submarine of the Virginia class and the last of the second, or Block II, construction contract. The submarine, like all Virginia-class boats, is being built under a unique construction contract between HII-NNS and General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB).