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).
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News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, HII declined 0.29%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
HII gained 2.6% with elevated volume, while defense peers were mixed: DRS (+2.11%), AVAV (+2.6%), KTOS (+2.66%), WWD (+2.12%), and ERJ (-0.54%). With no peers in the momentum scanner and only one peer (AVAV) moving on earnings news, HII’s move appears more stock-specific than a broad sector rotation.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 09 | Sub keel laying | Neutral | -0.3% | Formal start of construction for Virginia-class attack submarine Barb (SSN 804). |
| Dec 09 | Subcontract partnership | Positive | -0.3% | Expanded Babcock partnership to build complex assemblies for Virginia-class Block VI. |
| Dec 08 | Tech product launch | Positive | +3.7% | Showcasing GRIMM spectrum dominance solution with field deployment to defense customers. |
| Dec 04 | Academic partnership | Positive | +2.1% | Mission Technologies joined University of Maryland program to accelerate defense technologies. |
| Dec 04 | Media advisory | Neutral | +2.1% | Advisory outlining logistics for media at the Barb (SSN 804) keel laying ceremony. |
Recent defense-tech product and partnership announcements tended to coincide with positive price moves, while ceremonial submarine-related news (including this keel laying) has seen flat-to-slightly-negative next-day reactions.
Over the past week, HII issued several defense and shipbuilding updates. On Dec. 8, 2025, a GRIMM spectrum dominance deployment update coincided with a 3.71% gain. Partnerships with Babcock International and the University of Maryland on Dec. 9 and Dec. 4 aligned with gains of 2.15%. By contrast, media advisories and ceremonial milestones for the Barb (SSN 804) keel laying on Dec. 4 and Dec. 9 saw more muted or slightly negative moves, suggesting investors react more strongly to capability and partnership news than to ceremonial events.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement highlights the formal start of construction for the Virginia-class attack submarine Barb (SSN 804), the 31st in the class and the 15th delivered by Newport News Shipbuilding. It underscores program continuity and shipyard execution rather than new contract wins. In context of recent tech and partnership news, investors may watch future updates on submarine program awards, production milestones, and margin impact across HII’s defense portfolio.
Key Terms
keel laying technical
Virginia-class technical
fast attack submarine technical
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
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 31st Virginia-class fast attack submarine and will be the 15th 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?
How many Virginia-class submarines has HII built including Barb (SSN 804)?
Who is the ship sponsor for Barb (SSN 804) and what was her role at the ceremony?
What historical submarines previously carried the name Barb referenced in the HII announcement?
Where can I find photos from the Barb (SSN 804) keel laying ceremony?
What did HII say about the capabilities of Virginia-class submarines in the announcement?
