Washington, D.C. – Tomorrow, U.S. Representative Chip Cravaack (MN) will attend the christening of the USS Minnesota, a nuclear-powered submarine, in Newport News, Virginia.

“Through the courage and commitment of our servicemen and women, Minnesota has become synonymous with military excellence. This newest addition to the Navy's fleet signifies a great honor to Minnesotans who have sworn an oath to uphold and protect the Constitution, and defend our freedoms here at home and abroad,” said Cravaack.

The USS Minnesota is capable of facilitating five of the Navy’s six core capabilities- forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection, and maritime security.

To view the ceremony via live webcast, please visit: http://www.livestream.com/usnavy.

After spending 24 years in active duty and a reservist, Cravaack retired from the Navy at the rank of Captain.

Representative Cravaack serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – where he is Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee – the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. The 8th Congressional District covers 18 counties in Northeast Minnesota.