Media Advisory – Newport News Shipbuilding to Host Barb (SSN 804) Keel Laying

Core Points - HII's Newport News Shipbuilding division will host the keel laying ceremony for the Virginia-class submarine Barb (SSN 804) on December 9, 2025 [2][3] - The ceremony is not open to the public, but credentialed U.S. media are invited to cover the event [3] - Media will have the opportunity to speak with NNS leadership, a Barb shipbuilder, and the submarine's sponsor, Pamela Bove, after the ceremony [3] Company Overview - HII is the largest military shipbuilder in the U.S. with over 135 years of history in advancing national security [6][7] - The company employs a workforce of 43,000 and provides critical capabilities ranging from ships to unmanned systems, cyber, ISR, AI/ML, and synthetic training [7] - HII's mission is to deliver powerful ships and all-domain solutions to protect peace and freedom globally [6]