HII Hosts Keel Laying of Virginia-Class Attack Submarine Barb (SSN 804)

Rhea-AI Summary

HII (NYSE: HII) hosted the keel laying ceremony on Dec. 9, 2025 at Newport News Shipbuilding for Virginia-class attack submarine Barb (SSN 804). The event marks the formal start of construction; a metal plate with sponsor Pamela Bove’s initials was etched and will remain affixed for the vessel’s life. Barb is the 31st Virginia-class submarine and the 15th built by Newport News. The announcement notes Barb is the third U.S. Navy submarine to carry the name, continuing a legacy that dates to a World War II-era Barb (SS 220) and a 1963 nuclear-powered Barb (SSN 596).

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Dec. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HII’s (NYSE: HII) Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division hosted the keel laying ceremony today for Virginia-class attack submarine Barb (SSN 804).

“Our reason to come together this morning represents not only the laying down of our next submarine keel, but a solemn commitment we are making to our country,” NNS President Kari Wilkinson said. “It marks the beginning of a construction journey, and while it is a journey measured in inches of weld, amount of pipe, and amount of cable pulled, it is fueled by the strength and determination of shipbuilders and our partners working together toward a common objective.”

SSN 804 will be the third U.S. Navy submarine to carry the name Barb. The first, SS 220, was commissioned in 1942. During World War II, the submarine conducted missions under the command of Eugene “Lucky” Fluckey, earning the submarine four Presidential Citations, a Navy Unit Commendation and eight battle stars for outstanding service. The second, SSN 596, was a nuclear-powered submarine commissioned in 1963. It was sponsored by Marjorie Fluckey, the wife of Rear Adm. Fluckey. The submarine took part in special operations during the Vietnam War.

Photos accompanying this release are available at: http://hii.com/news/hii-hosts-keel-laying-of-virginia-class-attack-submarine-barb-ssn-804/.

Pamela Bove serves as ship’s sponsor for the newest Barb. Bove began her analytical career working as a civilian within the submarine division at the Navy Operational Intelligence Center. She later accepted a position with a defense company where she met her husband Thomas “Tom” Bove, grandson of Rear Adm. Fluckey.

“It is an honor to serve as sponsor for Barb and see the legacy of this historic submarine carried forward to a new generation,” Bove said. “I am humbled knowing that the third Barb and her crew will soon serve silently in the depths of the world's oceans and seas protecting this great nation of ours. I am grateful for the shipbuilders who are working diligently to construct this mighty vessel and all the sailors who will selflessly serve aboard her for decades to come.”

During Tuesday’s ceremony, NNS welder Andrew Kahler etched Bove’s initials onto a metal plate, signifying the keel of SSN 804 as being “truly and fairly laid.” The metal plate will remain affixed to the submarine throughout its life.

Barb is the 31^st Virginia-class fast attack submarine and will be the 15^th delivered by NNS.

The advanced capabilities of Virginia-class submarines increase firepower, maneuverability and stealth.

About HII

HII is a global, all-domain defense provider. HII’s mission is to deliver the world’s most powerful ships and all-domain solutions in service of the nation, creating the advantage for our customers to protect peace and freedom around the world.

As the nation’s largest military shipbuilder, and with a more than 135-year history of advancing U.S. national security, HII delivers critical capabilities extending from ships to unmanned systems, cyber, ISR, AI/ML and synthetic training. Headquartered in Virginia, HII’s workforce is 43,000 strong. For more information, visit:

• HII on the web: https://www.HII.com/
• HII on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamHII
• HII on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/WeAreHII
• HII on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WeAreHII

Contact:
Todd Corillo
Todd.T.Corillo@hii-co.com
(757) 688-3220

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6f7f73e2-4831-4203-b6c0-29ffcbd72df0

FAQ

What did HII announce about the keel laying for Barb (SSN 804) on Dec. 9, 2025?

HII announced the keel laying at Newport News Shipbuilding for Virginia-class submarine Barb (SSN 804), marking the start of construction.

How many Virginia-class submarines has HII built including Barb (SSN 804)?

Barb is the 31st Virginia-class submarine and the 15th delivered by Newport News Shipbuilding.

Who is the ship sponsor for Barb (SSN 804) and what was her role at the ceremony?

Pamela Bove serves as ship sponsor; a welder etched her initials onto a metal plate signifying the keel was "truly and fairly laid."

What historical submarines previously carried the name Barb referenced in the HII announcement?

The first was SS 220 (commissioned 1942) and the second was nuclear-powered SSN 596 (commissioned 1963).

Where can I find photos from the Barb (SSN 804) keel laying ceremony?

Photos were made available via HII’s news media gallery linked in the company announcement.

What did HII say about the capabilities of Virginia-class submarines in the announcement?

The announcement noted Virginia-class submarines increase firepower, maneuverability, and stealth.