Michelle Obama to help lay keel for new submarine

First lady Michelle Obama on Monday will help lay the keel for a new submarine under construction in Rhode Island.

She is scheduled to speak at a ceremony at Electric Boat's manufacturing plant in North Kingstown for the future USS Illinois, her office said Wednesday. The 13th Virginia-class submarine is named after her home state.

The first lady is the ship's sponsor. In a Navy tradition, she is expected to write her initials on a metal plate then a welder will inscribe them. The plate will later be mounted on the submarine.

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