17 minutes ago Paige Hansen ,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A watch party was held at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center today for the keel laying of the USS WISCONSIN.

The USS WISCONSIN, SSBN 827 is a ballistic missile submarine currently being built.

Keel laying is a tradition that marks the beginning of a new ships life.

The sub is currently being assembled in Rhode Island and will eventually join other submarines that serve as the backbone of U.S. nuclear deterrent.

The sub will also follow in the tradition of the two previous ships named USS WISCONSIN, both battleships.

“560 feet long, 22,000 tons, comes with a reactor that will never have to be refueled. Has a lifespan of approximately 40 years. Very quiet,” Doug Muller, with Western Lake Superior Submarine Vets said.

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