twin payload tubes that can launch six tomahawk cruise missiles a piece. the uss illinoises ander h crew of 150 plus will be able to drive more than 800 feet and remain submerged for surveillance or secret missions for days without coming up. but, first, before they do any of that, they have to give the illinois a proper public introduction. and that will happen this weekend at the naef submarine base in groton, connecticut. first lady michelle obama will be there. she is the submarine s official sponsor and her initials are welded into the hull of that boat. and so to launch the uss illinois, first lady obama will show up and do the honors of smashing a bottle of champagne across the bow. it s a recognizable and well-known tradition. but here s my note of caution. the whole christening the vehicle thing doesn t always go as planned, even when you are
surveillance or secret missions for days without coming up. but, first, before they do any of that, they have to give the illinois a proper public introduction. and that will happen this weekend at the navy submarine base in groton, connecticut. first lady michelle obama will be there. she is the submarine s official sponsor and her initials are welded into the hull of that boat. and so to launch the uss illinois, first lady obama will show up and do the honors of smashing a bottle of champagne across the bow. i mean, christening a ship or a sub marine or a plane that way it s a recognizable and well-known tradition. but here s my note of caution. the whole christening the vehicle thing doesn t always go as planned, even when you are the first lady. not prepared. poor bess truman. she gives it like this mighty