Navy League of the United States, Twin Cities (MN) Council: More Helo's off the USS Essex LHD 2 (US Navy Photo)

Announcing The Keel Authentication Ceremony of Precommissioning Unit Minnesota

On Friday, May 20, 2011 the Keel Authentication Ceremony for fast attack submarine PCU Minnesota SSN 783 took place. This is a time-honored tradition that typically marks the start of the life of this ship.

The key parts of the ceremony include welding the signature of the ships sponsor into a plate which will be displayed w/in the ship, with the announcement that 'the keel has been truly and fairly laid'.

It was a great Navy day and a great Minnesota day!

The last time a keel ceremony for a ship named Minnesota took place was in 1903 - in the same shipyard no less.

PCU Minnesota SSN 783 is a Virginia class fast attack submarine.

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The Birth of A Mighty Warship

In July 2008, The United States Navy announced the naming of a Virginia-class fast attack submarine - the future USS Minnesota SSN 783.

Today, Precommissioning Unit Minnesota SSN 783 is under construction in Newport News, VA. She carries the legacy of two previous ships named 'Minnesota'. The first was a Sloop of War that served in the Civil War and fought in the first battle between ironclads, and the second was BB 22, who was part of The Great White Fleet and served until 1922.

SSN 783 is scheduled to join the fleet in 2013!

A Flag for PCU Minnesota SSN 783

On March 10, 2011, a Minnesota State Flag flew over the State Capitol in honor of PCU Minnesota SSN 783. The Certificate of Authenticity was signed by Governor Mark Dayton. This flag will be donated by the Twin Cities Council of the Navy League to the Prospective Commanding Officer and crew of PCU Minnesota.

Why March 10? The first USS Minnesota, a Sloop of War, was part of the battle between the USS Monitor and CSS Virginia which occured on March 9, 1862. USS Minnesota was grounded at the time, saved by USS Monitor, who's sailors put themselves in harms way by manuvering between USS Minnesota and CSS Virgina, which came out to try and sink USS Minnesota on March 9. USS Minnesota was freed by US Navy tugs on March 10, 1862.

Navy League of the United States, Twin Cities (MN) Council

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

More Helo's off the USS Essex LHD 2 (US Navy Photo)

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Great Navy Links!

Precommissioning Unit Minnesota SSN 783 Tentative Schedule

Virginia Class