Sub’s sponsor will be first lady

Tue., May 29, 2012

Associated Press

WASHINGTON – First lady Michelle Obama is sponsoring a future Navy submarine named after her home state.

The White House said Monday that the first lady has accepted an invitation to be the sponsor of the future USS Illinois, a Virginia-class submarine being built in Groton, Conn., and Newport News, Va. The new attack submarine is expected to join the fleet in late 2015.

As sponsor, Obama will be involved in the life of the submarine and establish a special link to the ship’s sailors and their families.

Other first ladies have sponsored Navy submarines, including Laura Bush, wife of President George W. Bush, and Hillary Rodham Clinton, wife of President Bill Clinton.

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Sub’s sponsor will be first lady

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