On Saturday, Oct. 7, 35th District Rep. Drew MacEwen was on hand to witness the commissioning of the U.S. Navy’s newest Virginia-class fast-attack submarine, the USS Washington. Joining him at the ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia were Washington Lt. Gov. Cyrus Habib and Secretary of State Kim Wyman.

The USS Washington is the third Navy ship, and first submarine, to be commissioned with a name honoring Washington state. The last was the battleship, BB-56, which was in service from 1941 to 1947 and was credited with sinking more enemy tonnage than any other Navy battleship in World War II.

The crest of the USS Washington features the submarine emerging from the waters of the Puget Sound with a paint scheme reminiscing an orca whale, the state’s official marine mammal. It also features Mount Rainier, the Seattle skyline, evergreen trees, and silhouettes of the two previous USS Washington’s — also represented by two solid gold stars.

In 2015, MacEwen, a six-year veteran of the Navy’s submarine force, was named an honorary co-chair of the commissioning committee for the $2.6 billion sub.

“At a time when our country faces serious threats from unstable actors around the world, having a strong naval presence is critical,” said MacEwen, R-Union. “While we all pray for a more peaceful world, I’m reminded of the words of our nation’s first president: “To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.” I have no doubt the USS Washington and its crew of nearly 130 submariners will play a vital role in ensuring our security and prosperity in the decades to come.”

The USS Washington will be ready for deployment in the summer of 2019 under the command of Cmdr. Gabriel B. Cavazos.