A keel laying ceremony was held on Wednesday for USS Wisconsin SSBN 827 in North Kingstown, Rhode Island.

The event on Wednesday marked the official beginning of construction for the U.S. Navy's latest ballistic missile submarine.

Keeping with Navy tradition, Dr. Kelly Geurts, Honorary Board Director and Ship’s Sponsor, authenticated the keel by welding her initials onto a steel plate, signifying the keel has been "truly fairly laid."

Grace Stanke, Miss America 2023, Miss Wisconsin 2022 and Honorary USS Wisconsin SSBN 827 Association Board Director, read Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers’ Proclamation of Aug. 27, 2025 as “USS WISCONSIN SSBN 827 Day” at the Keel Laying ceremony.

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