Williams joins Navy ceremony beginning construction of attack submarine USS Colorado

DENVER, March 6, 2015 - Secretary of State Wayne Williams will represent the state of Colorado at the keel laying ceremony for the USS Colorado on Saturday, March 7, 2015 at the Quonset Point Facility in North Kingstown, Rhode Island.

A keel laying ceremony marks the official start of construction on a new ship. The ceremony will also be attended by the Secretary of the Navy, the governor of Rhode Island, and several members of Congress.

"It is a great honor to represent our state at the keel laying ceremony of the USS Colorado." Williams remarked. "Coloradans are very proud of their state. It’s a place where people act boldly and achieve greatly. It’s exciting to know that Colorado’s name, and our values, will be carried around the world by such a magnificent submarine."

When complete, the USS Colorado will be a high-tech attack submarine. It is the third Navy ship to bear the name Colorado. The first was an armored cruiser commissioned in 1905. During World War I, the vessel was renamed the Pueblo and used to transport soldiers and materials to England. The second USS Colorado was a battleship that took part in the invasion of Tarawa during World War II.

As Colorado Secretary of State, Williams provided authority for the Navy to use the state seal as part of the keel laying ceremony for the USS Colorado.