An overall view of the Missouri keel-laying ceremony at Quonset Point. At the podium is U.S. Rep. Ike Skelton of Missouri, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.

At the conclusion of the keel-laying ceremony, Electric Boat President John Casey, Missouri Ship Sponsor Rebecca Gates, and Quonset Point welder Caesar DeSanto gather round a steel plate with Mrs. Gates' welded initials. The plate will be affixed in the submarine Missouri.

On Sept. 27 at Electric Boat's Quonset Point, R.I., facility, Mrs. Rebecca W. Gates authenticated the keel of Missouri (SSN-780), the seventh Virginia-class submarine. Mrs. Gates is married to Dr. Robert M. Gates, the 22nd Secretary of Defense. Following are quotes from some of the event's participants:

'As the keel is laid for the latest USS Missouri, shipbuilders and sailors alike should remember the legacy represented by the ships that previously held this proud name. (The shipbuilders') service to the country sometimes goes unheralded, so I wish to publicly thank you for your dedication and sacrifice as you make these ships for our warfighters.' U.S. Rep. Ike Skelton, D-Mo., Chairman, House Armed Services Committee.

'Missouri is an investment by the American taxpayers, in an uncertain world, to protect the freedoms that we cherish and the principles and values which define who we are as Americans.' Vice Adm. John 'Jay' Donnelly, Commander - Submarine Force.

'If you ask me to show you a submarine that will deliver early and under cost, I will show you Missouri.' Rear Adm. William H. Hilarides, Navy Program Executive Officer - Submarines.