Rep. Drew MacEwen, R-Union, has been named an honorary co-chair of the commissioning committee for the USS Washington, a Virginia-class submarine currently under construction. The Virginia-class submarine is expected to be commissioned in 2016.

“As a former submariner, I am honored to join the commissioning committee for the USS Washington, the first boat named for our state since World War II, and the first submarine in our state’s history,” said MacEwen. “As a veteran of the Navy submarine force, I know firsthand the value of the Navy’s submarine service to both our national security and our local community. Washington has a proud military tradition, and now we will have a world-class sub to represent our state across the globe. In the coming months, I look forward to working with the members of the committee to promote the USS Washington so all Washingtonians can share in this historic event.”

The commissioning committee is chaired by retired Rear Adm. Michael Sharp, and other honorary co-chairs include former Congressman Norm Dicks, former Washington Secretary of State Ralph Munro, Mayor Patty Lent of Bremerton, Congressman Derek Kilmer, Secretary of State Kim Wyman, state senators Jan Angel, Barbara Bailey and Tim Sheldon and retired Rear Adm. Thomas Hayward, the 21st Chief of Naval Operations.

“It is a privilege to serve on the commissioning committee with so many distinguished public servants,” MacEwen said. “Working together, we will strengthen our national security and serve as ambassadors for our home state. The USS Washington is something that will unite all Washingtonians and be a symbol of pride for years to come.”

The keel for the USS Washington was laid in November 2014 in Newport News, Virginia. The submarine has a projected service life of more than 30 years, and it’s crew will be comprised of 120 enlisted sailors and fourteen officers. Its homeport is expected to be in Hawaii.

For more information, please visit www.usswashingtoncommissioning.org.