U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Leads Wisconsin Congressional Delegation in Requesting the Next U.S. Navy Submarine be Named “U.S.S. WISCONSIN”

Wisconsin is home to 40 companies that supply key components for the Virginia class program 

Naming the next Virginia class submarine would be an important recognition of the small and medium-sized business that supply this important program 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin today led her bipartisan colleagues in the Wisconsin Congressional Delegation in a letter to U.S. Navy Secretary Kenneth Braithwaite requesting that one of the next available Virginia (SSN-774) class submarines be named the “U.S.S. Wisconsin” to honor the state’s proud shipbuilding tradition, and recognize the men and women who have worked to supply key components for this important program.

“The State of Wisconsin is known for producing key naval capabilities,” wrote the members in their letter. “Wisconsin contributed to the effort in WWII by producing two wooden barges in 1942 out of Marinette. The city of Manitowoc also produced 28 diesel powered submarines—25 of which deployed during WWII.  Most recently, workers in Marinette have completed 10 Littoral Combat Ships for the U.S. Navy, with another 6 ships under construction, and the Marinette shipyard was recently awarded the contract for the Navy’s new frigate program. This legacy of shipbuilding in Wisconsin is a testament to the strong ties between our great state and the United States Navy.”

The members continued, “A Virginia class submarine bearing the name U.S.S. Wisconsin would honor not only those Wisconsinites who have served and continue to serve in the U.S. military, but also the hard working men and women of the State of Wisconsin.”

The last Navy vessel to bear the name the U.S.S. Wisconsin (BB 64) served in every major U.S. conflict after it was launched in 1944 until it was decommissioned in 1991.  Since then, no U.S. Naval vessel has carried the storied Wisconsin name.

The letter was led by Senator Baldwin and also signed by Senator Ron Johnson and U.S. Representatives Ron Kind, Mike Gallagher, Gwen Moore, Glenn Grothman, Tom Tiffany, Bryan Steil, Mark Pocan and Jim Sensenbrenner.

The full letter is available here and included below.

Dear Secretary Braithwaite,

I respectfully request your consideration in naming one of the next available Virginia (SSN-774) class submarines, SSN-804 or 805, the U.S.S. Wisconsin, in honor of the Badger State. Wisconsin is home to 40 companies that supply key components for the Virginia class program. Naming the next Virginia class submarine would be an important recognition of the small and medium-sized business that supply this important program.

The State of Wisconsin is known for producing key naval capabilities. Wisconsin contributed to the effort in WWII by producing two wooden barges in 1942 out of Marinette. The city of Manitowoc also produced 28 diesel powered submarines—25 of which deployed during WWII.  Most recently, workers in Marinette have completed 10 Littoral Combat Ships for the U.S. Navy, with another 6 ships under construction, and the Marinette shipyard was recently awarded the contract for the Navy’s new frigate program. This legacy of shipbuilding in Wisconsin is a testament to the strong ties between our great state and the United States Navy.

The last Navy vessel to bear the name the U.S.S. Wisconsin (BB 64) served in every major U.S. conflict after it was launched in 1944 until it was decommissioned in 1991.  Since then, no U.S. Naval vessel has carried the storied Wisconsin name.

A Virginia class submarine bearing the name U.S.S. Wisconsin would honor not only those Wisconsinites who have served and continue to serve in the U.S. military, but also the hard working men and women of the State of Wisconsin. Thank you for your consideration on this matter.

Sincerely,