Kirkland Donald News

The U.S. Navy held a keel laying ceremony for the Virginia-class submarine Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Indiana (SSN 789) at Huntington Ingalls Industries, Newport News Shipbuilding, May 16. The initials of the submarine's sponsor, Diane Donald, were welded onto a steel plate that will be permanently affixed to the submarine. Donald is the wife of retired Adm. Kirkland Donald and a long serving member of the Submarine Force spouse organization. She actively supported, organized…

The nation’s newest and most-advanced nuclear-powered attack submarine, Mississippi (SSN-782), returned to the Electric Boat shipyard following the successful completion of its first voyage in open seas, called alpha sea trials. Mississippi is the ninth ship of the Virginia Class, the most-capable class of attack submarines ever built. Electric Boat is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD). During the alpha sea trials, Mississippi submerged for the first time and conducted high-speed runs on and under the surface to demonstrate that the submarine’s propulsion plant is fully mission-capable. The sea trials were conducted by Adm. Kirkland Donald, director – Naval Nuclear Propulsion. Also participating in the sea trials were Rear Adm.

The nation's newest and most advanced nuclear-powered attack submarine, (SSN-780), returned to the Electric Boat shipyard following the successful completion of its first voyage in open seas. is the seventh ship of the Virginia Class. Electric Boat is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD). 's alpha sea trials included a range of submarine and propulsion-plant operations, submerging for the first time, and high-speed runs on and below the surface to demonstrate that the ship's propulsion plant is fully mission-capable. The sea trials were directed by U.S. Navy Adm. Kirkland Donald, director – Naval Nuclear Propulsion. Also participating in the sea trials were Rear Adm. William Hilarides, program executive officer – Submarines; Rear Adm.

By Lt. This christening marks the fourth time the U.S. Navy named a ship after the . The service awarded the name to the submarine after third-graders from in , wrote letters to Congress members, the governor and the Secretary of the Navy. Adm. Kirkland Donald, Naval Nuclear Propulsion director, gave the principal remarks and spoke about the 's way ahead. "There still is a lot of hard work to be done," said Donald. " is entering the fleet during a time of conflict. Ship sponsor Cheryl McGuinness…

With a swing of the Korbel and a blessing for “all who sail in her,” Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter christened PCU Jimmy Carter (SSN 23) at General Dynamics Electric Boat shipyard on June 5. Mrs. Carter, Former President Jimmy Carter, their daughter Amy and a crowd of more than 4,500, came to bear witness to the christening of the third and last Seawolf-class submarine. “This is a wonderful day for me, and to see my wife break the champagne on undoubtedly the finest, and formidable, ship in the world was a great honor for me," said former President Carter. Adm.