Photo Release -- Ingalls Shipbuilding Christens LPD 25 Somerset in Honor of the 9/11 Heroes of Flight 93

GlobeNewswire

Saturday, July 28th 2012

AVONDALE, La., July 28, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nearly 1,800 guests attended the christening today of Huntington Ingalls Industries' (NYSE:HII) ninth amphibious transport dock, Somerset (LPD 25), at the company's Avondale shipyard. LPD 25 is named to honor the courage of the passengers and crew members of United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed on Sept. 11, 2001, near Shanksville in Somerset County, Pa.

Mrs. Mary Jo Myers (right) breaks a bottle of sparkling wine across the bow of the Ingalls-built amphibious transport dock LPD 25, officially christening the ship Somerset. Also pictured (left to right) are Master Chief Larry Lynch, prospective command master chief, LPD 25; Lt. Cmdr. John Moore, prospective executive officer, LPD 25; Patrick White, president, Families of Flight 93, and keynote speaker; and Irwin F. Edenzon, president, Ingalls Shipbuilding.

A photo accompanying this release is available at http://media.globenewswire.com/hii/mediagallery.html?pkgid=13832

"We thank our nation for honoring and remembering those 40 aboard Flight 93 with this extraordinary tribute, the Somerset," said Patrick White, president of Families of Flight 93 and principal speaker at the event. White's cousin, Louis J. Nacke II, died on board the flight. "These passengers prevented additional tragedy on Sept. 11 through their selfless actions. The Somerset and her steadfast crew — now and in the future — are both a living tribute and vigilant reminder of sacrifice made to protect the lives of unknown others."

Additional family members of the Flight 93 heroes were in attendance, as well as several residents of Somerset County.

Mrs. Mary Jo Myers, wife of Gen. Richard Myers, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, smashed a ceremonial bottle across LPD 25's bow at the culmination of the ceremony, officially christening LPD 25 as Somerset.

"Built for survivability and flexibility, LPD 25 is being crafted by the hearts, heads and hands of some of the best shipbuilders in the world and will be manned by our nation's finest," said HII President and CEO Mike Petters. "Like America, like the members of the Somerset families here today and like the shipbuilders of Avondale, these sailors and Marines will persevere in times of uncertainty and change. We take great pride in them and have the utmost respect for their dedication and service to America, the greatest country in the world."

Ingalls is building the entire San Antonio (LPD 17) class of ships, the newest addition to the Navy's 21st century amphibious assault force. LPD 25 is the company's ninth ship. Ingalls received a $1.5 billion contract to build an 11^th ship in the class on Friday.

"As shipbuilders, we know the significance of this ship," said Ingalls Shipbuilding President Irwin F. Edenzon. "For decades, our shipbuilders have been building ships to defend our great nation. LPD 25 will continue this legacy and be a testimony of their professionalism, dedication and tenacity for 40 years or more. They are building Somerset, strong and proud. Not only for the sailors and Marines who will sail in her, but as a tribute to the heroes of Flight 93 who protected our nation — with strength, pride and with our deepest gratitude and respect."