Navy Ship To Pay Homage to Wisconsin

ACROSS WISCONSIN—The U.S. Navy plans to name a news submarine the “U.S.S. WISCONSIN”

Wisconsin is home to 40 companies that supply key components for the submarine program, according to U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin.

In July, Senator Baldwin introduced a bipartisan Senate resolution and led the Wisconsin Congressional Delegation in requesting that the Secretary of the Navy take this action.

“What a great day for the state of Wisconsin. I am so proud that one of the next U.S. Navy submarines will carry the Wisconsin name. Our shipbuilding industry and its skilled workers have helped sustain America’s security for generations, boasting a successful history of building ships for our nation’s defense,” said Senator Baldwin. “This is a real honor to our proud shipbuilding tradition and the men and women of our state who have worked hard to support this class of submarines.”

The State of Wisconsin is known for producing key naval capabilities. In the 1940’s, the city of Manitowoc produced 28 diesel powered submarines—25 of which deployed during WWII.

Most recently, workers in Marinette have completed 10 Littoral Combat Ships for the U.S. Navy, with another six ships under construction, and the Marinette shipyard was recently awarded the contract for the Navy’s new frigate program. This legacy of shipbuilding in Wisconsin is a testament to the strong ties between the state and the U.S. Navy.

The last Navy vessel to bear the name the U.S.S. Wisconsin (BB 64) served in every major U.S. conflict after it was launched in 1944 until it was decommissioned in 1991. Since then, no U.S. Naval vessel has carried the storied Wisconsin name.