Newport News Shipbuilding held a christening ceremony for Indiana (SSN 789), the 16th Virginia-class submarine, April 29, 2017. In front of a crowd of nearly 4,000 people, Ship’s Sponsor Diane Donald, wife of Adm. Kirkland Donald, (U.S. Navy, Ret.), smashed a bottle of American sparkling wine across the submarine’s hull. Vice President Mike Pence, former governor of Indiana, served as the ceremony’s keynote speaker. Other ceremony participants included: Master Shipbuilder Samuel Brandon, who performed the national anthem; Robert Haugh, Petty Officer First Class, SSN 789, who gave the innovation; Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) and NNS President Matt Mulherin were among several participants to give remarks.
