DOVER, Del. (AP) - The U.S Navy is putting Delaware's name on new submarine.
Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said Monday that a Virginia-class, fast-attack nuclear submarine will be named USS Delaware.
Vice President and former Delaware senator Joe Biden was on hand for the announcement, along with his wife, Jill, U.S. Sen. Tom Carper, and Delaware Lt. Gov. Matt Denn.
The submarine will be the first Navy vessel to carry Delaware's name in almost 90 years.
The last ship to bear Delaware's name was a steam-powered battleship that was decommissioned in 1923. It is 1 of 7 Navy ships that have been named for Delaware, dating back to the days of wooden sailing vessels.
The new submarine, which will be built starting next year, is expected to enter service in 2018.
