Baldwin, Johnson Introduce Senate Resolution Recommending the Next U.S. Navy Submarine Be Named “U.S.S. WISCONSIN”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson today introduced a Senate Resolution expressing the sense of Congress that the Secretary of the Navy should name one of the next available Virginia (SSN-774) class submarines the “U.S.S. Wisconsin” to honor Wisconsin workers, and the rich and historical connection between Wisconsin and the United States Navy.

“Our shipbuilding industry and its skilled workers have helped sustain America’s security for generations, boasting a successful history of building ships for our nation’s defense,” said Senator Baldwin. “A new U.S. Navy submarine bearing the Wisconsin name will honor both our proud shipbuilding tradition and the men and women of our state who have worked hard to support this new class of ships.”

“From the two dozen submarines built in Wisconsin during World War II to the thousands of Wisconsinites actively serving, naming a new Virginia-class submarine after our state would be a fitting tribute to Wisconsin’s proud and deep naval history,” said Senator Johnson.

The State of Wisconsin is known for producing key naval capabilities. In the 1940’s, the city of Manitowoc 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 the state and the U.S. 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.

Last week, Baldwin and Johnson also led the bipartisan Wisconsin congressional delegation in sending a letter to U.S. Navy Secretary Kenneth Braithwaite requesting the next U.S. Navy Submarine be named the U.S.S. Wisconsin.

Text of the Senate resolution is available here.