USS Arkansas finally christened after long wait, is it worth the hype?

In Newport News, Virginia, the USS Arkansas, a nuclear submarine, was officially christened on December 7, 2024. This event marks nearly ten years since the U.S. Navy announced that the submarine, part of the Virginia class, would be named after Arkansas. The ceremony featured notable guests, including Carlotta Walls LaNier, one of the brave students from the Little Rock Nine who desegregated Little Rock Central High School in 1957. LaNier launched a bottle of sparkling wine to commemorate the occasion, representing a significant honor for both her and the state. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro highlighted the proud legacy of the ship's namesake and the historical context of the sponsors' patronage, emphasizing the courage and resilience reflected in the submarine's conception. Other sponsors in attendance included Elizabeth Eckford and Gloria Ray Karlmark, who were also prominent figures in the desegregation efforts. Each sponsor had their initials welded into the submarine during its keel laying in 2022, symbolizing their collective contribution to the vessel's creation and the history it represents. The ceremony coincided with the anniversary of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, a pivotal event that led the United States into World War II. The USS Arkansas, identified as SSN 800, is the fifth ship named after the state, joining a notable lineage that includes a battleship and a decommissioned guided missile cruiser. The submarine will be launched by 2025, adding to the fleet of Virginia-class submarines primarily built at the Newport News Shipbuilding facility. Overall, this christening serves not only as a celebration of naval engineering but also as a reminder of the bravery and persistence exhibited by those who fought for civil rights.