“We are committed to increasing submarine construction cadence and throughput for the U.S. Navy,” said Bryan Caccavale, NNS vice president of Navy programs. “Nuclear-powered submarines are critical to our national security and we’re proud to see Arkansas in the water.”
The submarine’s sponsors are the six women of the Little Rock Nine, the pioneering group of African American students who integrated Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, during desegregation. Their role highlights the historic and symbolic significance of the vessel’s name.
Arkansas is the 27th Virginia-class submarine and the 13th to be delivered by NNS. These submarines are designed with advanced capabilities to enhance firepower, manoeuvrability and stealth.
