First Sailors Report to Fast-Attack Sub Illinois

The first group of Sailors reported to the Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Illinois (SSN 786), a fast-attack submarine currently under construction in Groton, Conn.

The commanding officer's arrival June 17 marked a major milestone in the construction phase of the submarine and sets the crew training phase in motion. The ship's sponsor is First Lady Michelle Obama.

Approximately 35 Sailors or one-fourth of the total crew have reported to Illinois over the past few weeks, including Commanding Officer Cmdr. Jess Porter; Engineering Officer Lt. Anthony Wilson; and Master Chief Machinist's Mate (SS) Steve Houk, the engineering department master chief.

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