Michelle Obama sponsors Navy’s new submarine

GROTON, Conn. — First lady Michelle Obama said she was “beyond proud” to take part in a commissioning ceremony Saturday for the U.S. Navy attack submarine named for her home state of Illinois.

The submarine officially became the Illinois, SSN 786, and began active service at a ceremony at the submarine base in Groton.

Obama, the ship sponsor, gave the order to “man our ship and bring her to life” before the crew of about 130 men ran onto the vessel.

“Thank you for giving me the incredible privilege of being associated with you and with your families and with the Illinois for the rest of my life,” she told them. “I will continue to keep you in my prayers every single day and keep you in my thoughts, and know that you have a sponsor that cares deeply.”

The first lady, who is from Chicago, has made supporting military families a priority. She’s considered an honorary member of the crew, and will be involved in the lives of the sub’s sailors and families.

It took submarine supply businesses nationwide and thousands of shipyard employees in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Virginia to build the $2.7 billion submarine. Submarine builder Electric Boat, based in Groton, and Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia build Virginiaclass attack submarines under a team agreement and alternate the deliveries.

The Illinois is the 13th member of the Virginia class. Eleven more submarines are currently under construction. The last of the submarines under contract, the future Utah, is scheduled to be delivered in 2023 as the 28th member of the class.

Construction on the Illinois began in March 2011. The Navy has said the attack submarines are needed to replace those that were built during the Cold War and are retiring.