USS Wisconsin Keel Laying Watch Party

USS Wisconsin Keel Laying Watch Party
August 27, 2025   •  8:30 AM – 10:30 AM  •  Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center
Co-hosted by United States Submarine Veterans, Western Lake Superior Base

There will be lots of “GO WISCONSIN” pride, light treats, coffee, and other beverages. The watch party at the Bong was initiated by Randy Engness, a member of the USS Wisconsin SSBN 827 Association.   

The Keel Laying Ceremony symbolizes when the ship begins to transition from design to reality by marking the formal recognition of the start of a ship’s construction. In earlier times, the Keel Laying was the “laying down” of the central, or main timber, making up the backbone of a vessel. Today, fabrication of a submarine begins many months before some of the ship’s lower sections are joined together.  However, the Keel Laying Ceremony (also referred to as the Keel Authentication Ceremony) symbolically recognizes the joining of modular components and the ceremonial beginning of construction of a ship.

There will be viewing parties at the following locations:

• Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center, 305 E 2nd St, Superior, WI 54880 • Co-hosted with United States Submarine Veterans:  Western Lake Superior Base • 8:30 am – 10:30 am

• Wisconsin Veterans Museum, 30 W Mifflin St, Madison, WI 53703 • 9 am – 10:30 am
• Wisconsin Maritime Museum, 75 Maritime Dr, Manitowoc, WI 54220 • 9 am to 10:30 am
• Milwaukee Navy League and Marquette University Naval ROTC, 1532 W Clybourn St, Milwaukee, WI 53233 • 8 am to 10 am
• Witman Regional Airport, 525 W. 20th Ave, Oshkosh, WI 54902 • 8:45 – 10:30 AM

The actual event is a private ceremony hosted by General Dynamics Electric Boat at its Quonset Point, RI, facility. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION  about the boat and event in Rhode Island