On August 24, Ship Sponsor Terry Stackley authenticated the keel of PCU Idaho (SSN-799) at a ceremony held in Quonset Point’s Building 9, which recently has come online to provide over eight acres of new manufacturing space dedicated to the assembly and outfitting of new Virginia and Columbia-class submarines. “Today we celebrate the keel-laying of Idaho, the 26th ship of the Virginia class,” said Electric Boat President Kevin Graney in his remarks. “In fact, the area of this building where we’ve gathered today is where we are building Idaho’s first super-module, the large center section of the ship that will move on to Groton for final assembly in a year’s time.” SSN-799 will be the fifth U.S. Navy vessel named in recognition of the 43rd state.
EB leadership, Quonset Point employees and the future crew of PCU Idaho were present at Monday’s keel laying. Special guests were also in attendance and introduced by Vice President of Quonset Point Operations, Sean Davies. Along with Terry Stackley and her family, the guests included Captain Andrew Gillespie of SUPSHIP Groton, Captain Andrew Miller, Commander of Sub Squadron FOUR in Groton, the former Governor of Idaho, Dirk Kempthorne and Quonset Point’s Master Shipbuilders—QP employees who this year, have given 40 years of service or more to Electric Boat. “Thank you for your service to the Navy, the country and to your coworkers,” said Davies.
As ship sponsor, Mrs. Stackley is no stranger to the Navy. Her father served and worked in private shipyards throughout the eastern seaboard, including Electric Boat Groton in the 1960’s. Her connection to the Navy continued to grow after meeting her husband, Sean, who served as the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition from 2008 to 2017. Mrs. Stackley dedicated nearly four decades as a Navy wife, and will now dedicate her time to serving Idaho and her crew throughout the ship’s service life.
“The machinery you use to accomplish this task is truly remarkable,” Stackley said. “More remarkable, however, are the dedication, skills, and patriotism of the men and women here at Electric Boat. The finest submarines in the world are being built by your hands, beginning right here at Quonset Point.” Addressing the employees in the audience, she continued, stating that “your great legacy has been passed on from generation to generation, stretching all the way back to 1899, and so it’s no wonder that this is not just a job for you. This is your passion. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.”
Following remarks from Stackley, Davies introduced QP employee Tim Cashman, who was chosen to weld Stackley’s initials on the steel plate that will be installed on the bottom centerline of submarine Idaho, also known as the keel. Cashman began his career at Electric Boat on third shift in 1976—44 years ago. In his spare time, he volunteers for two local theater groups, building sets and helping with productions, and is also involved in his CERT Community Emergency Response Team. His wife, sister and three children were in attendance to offer their support. Once the weld was complete, Terry Stackley declared the keel of PCU Idaho to be “truly and fairly laid.”
“In a few short years, when the magnificent USS Idaho goes to sea, she’ll be equipped with the finest technology our country produces to ensure she can safely and reliably perform her mission. Her greatest strength, however, will not be her technology. It will be the men and women who sail in her,” said Stackley.
Scroll down to view photos from the keel laying ceremony:
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