What:

The keel-laying ceremony for LCS 7, the future USS Detroit, will be held at Marinette Marine Corporation's shipyard. Ship sponsor Barbara Levin, wife of Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., will authenticate the keel. The keel is generally the first part of a ship's hull to be constructed, and laying the keel is often marked with a ceremonial event. 

When:

Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012

Ceremony: 2:15 – 3: 15 p.m. Central

Media availability: 3:15 – 3:30 p.m. Central

Media should arrive no later than 1:30 p.m. for registration, security clearance and set-up.

Where:

Marinette Marine Corporation

1600 Ely Road

Marinette, Wis. 54143

*Check-in at main building lobby.

Interview Opportunities:

Immediately following the keel-laying ceremony, there will be a brief media availability session with:

-- Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich. and ship sponsor Mrs. Barbara Levin

-- Rear Admiral James Murdoch, U.S. Navy Program Executive Officer, Littoral Combat Ships

-- Lockheed Martin Vice President of Littoral Ship Systems Joe North

-- Marinette Marine Corporation President and CEO Chuck Goddard

Video/Photo:

Video and photo opportunities of key leadership and external shots of the LCS 7 keel will be available.

Background:

LCS 7, the future USS Detroit, is the fourth ship of the Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ships and the seventh in the class.

In addition to Marinette Marine Corporation, a Fincantieri company, the Lockheed Martin-led industry team for Detroit includes naval architect Gibbs & Cox as well as best-of-industry domestic and international companies.

The Lockheed Martin-led industry team is building the Freedom-variant ships on schedule and on budget. USS Freedom, the U.S. Navy's first LCS, will deploy to Singapore in 2013. USS Forth Worth (LCS 3) was commissioned in September and is now based in San Diego, Calif. The fifth and seventh ships – Milwaukee (LCS 5) and Detroit (LCS 7) – are under construction. Earlier this year, the Navy funded Little Rock (LCS 9) and Sioux City (LCS 11). Follow-on options call for six more ships by 2015.

To Cover:

RSVP by Tuesday, Nov. 6, to Dana Casey at (202) 320-9066 or dana.casey@lmco.com.

Requirements to Enter Shipyard:

Upon RSVP, please provide the names of individuals attending. For entry into the shipyard, Security will require a photo ID and press pass. Closed-toe shoes and pants must be worn, and long hair must be tied back. Per U.S. Government requirements, attendees must be U.S. Persons (includes citizens, permanent resident aliens, and protected individuals).