GROTON —After participating in the ceremony christening the USS Illinois, the U.S. Navy's newest and most advanced nuclear attack submarine, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) released the following statement:

“I’d like to thank the First Lady for sponsoring this ship – it’s always a pleasure to host her in Connecticut. For me, today’s celebration was about the thousands of Connecticut shipyard workers and engineers who made the christening of the USS Illinois possible. Back in April, I got to work a full shift on the job with Electric Boat’s electricians, welders, and quality control managers as they built the USS Illinois. The men and women of this amazing shipyard build the best submarines in the world.

“Connecticut has always been on the forefront of submarine production and technology, and I’m extremely proud that Electric Boat is carrying on that tradition with the USS Illinois.”