Little Rock Nine member dedicates Arkansas-named nuclear submarine

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — The USS Arkansas, a Virginia-class nuclear submarine, was officially christened on Saturday, marking a significant milestone nearly ten years after the U.S. Navy declared that a submarine would be named after the state.

The ceremony took place at Newport News Shipbuilding, where Carlotta Walls LaNier, one of the nine African American students who bravely integrated Little Rock Central High School in 1957, smashed a bottle of sparkling wine against the submarine’s hull to commemorate the occasion.

In 2018, then-Navy Secretary Ray Mabus designated the women of the Little Rock Nine as the ship’s sponsors, a gesture of honor and recognition. LaNier was joined at the event by her fellow sponsors, Elizabeth Eckford and Gloria Ray Karlmark. Each of the women had their initials embedded in steel plates during the submarine’s keel-laying ceremony in 2022.

Speaking to the audience at the shipyard, LaNier emphasized the importance of collective efforts in achieving historical milestones. She referenced the motto “E pluribus unum” — meaning “Out of many, one” — to highlight the collaboration of various individuals that made the submarine’s christening possible. “We have SSN 800, but many participated in the reality of it being here today,” she stated, celebrating the shared contributions that culminated in this event.

Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro praised the new vessel, calling it “the very best of our submarine force capabilities.” He also acknowledged the significant legacy of the ship’s namesake, represented by the three courageous sponsors present at the ceremony, who exemplified resilience and strength during their time as members of the Little Rock Nine.

Several speakers at the event took the opportunity to remember the 83rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, a pivotal moment that brought the United States into World War II, emphasizing the enduring importance of military history.

The USS Arkansas is the fifth naval ship named in honor of the state, following in the footsteps of a battleship, and including a guided missile cruiser that was decommissioned in 1988.

As the 27th submarine in the Virginia-class series and the 13th to be constructed at Newport News, which is managed by Huntington Ingalls Industries, the Arkansas represents a significant contribution to the United States Navy’s fleet. The remaining vessels are manufactured at General Dynamics Corp.’s Electric Boat shipyard located in Connecticut.

The launch of the Arkansas is anticipated to take place in 2025, marking it as a notable addition to the Navy’s capabilities.