Keel Laying Watch Party
Milwaukee
The Keel Laying Ceremony for WISCONSIN (SSBN 827) occurred on her “hull number date.”
August 27, 2025 (8/27)
Milwaukee Navy League
and
Marquette University Naval ROTC
1532 W Clybourn St
Milwaukee, WI 53233
Meeting at the Marquette University Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Unit, over 24 people from Milwaukee Navy League Council, NROTC Alumni and NROTC staff gathered for a Keel Laying Watch Party in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Before the livestream Ceremony began, LT Jennifer Collins, USN, spoke about her prior tour as a submarine officer on USS WYOMING (SSBN 742) (GOLD) and the strategic mission and role of the nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine. She also shared observations on her experience with integration of officer and enlisted women into the Submarine Force.
Truly GREAT teamwork between Marquette University’s NROTC Unit and Milwaukee Navy League to host the event. Several attendees commented on how nice it was to view the event locally and enjoy kringle!!
Here’s a great story by Fox 11 News:
The official Keel Laying Ceremony, hosted by General Dynamics Electric Boat and WISCONSIN (SSBN 827) Ship’s Sponsor, Dr. Kelly Geurts, was held at 9 AM CDT on 27 August 2025 in Quonset Point, Rhode Island. The ceremony concluded as Dr. Kelly Geurts proclaimed WISCONSIN's keel to be “truly and fairly laid.”