The 19th Virginia-class submarine, Vermont (SSN 792), will be christened during a shipyard ceremony to be held this Saturday at 11 a.m.
Gloria Valdez is the ship sponsor. She recently served as deputy assistant secretary of the Navy (research, development and acquisition), overseeing all naval shipbuilding programs, major ship conversions, and the maintenance, modernization and disposal of in-service ships. She retired from that position in April after 32 years of civilian service with the Department of the Navy and the Department of Homeland Security.
The following guidelines are for your information:
Cameras will be allowed in the shipyard, but photography is restricted to the ceremony area only. Photography is prohibited outside of that area.
– All guests must have a ticket. This applies to employees, who are also requested to display their badges.
– The Main Gate will open at 9 a.m.
– All items are subject to search.
– If you leave the shipyard after admission, you will not be allowed back in.
– Coolers, food, backpacks, blankets, signs, placards, weapons, alcohol and folding chairs are prohibited. (No items can be left at the gate.)
– Food and beverages will be available in the ceremony area. No food may be removed from the facility.
A “live” video and audio webcast of the Vermont christening will be accessible online at: www.gdeb.com. Webcast coverage will begin Saturday at 10:30 a.m. EST; the ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. and conclude at approximately 12:15 p.m. The program will be available for on-demand replay for one week, beginning at approximately 3:30 p.m. EST on Saturday.
