Iowa now has another ship to add to its fleet of vessels named after the Hawkeye State. 

U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus visited the Memorial Union Wednesday afternoon to announce the name of the new Virginia Class Attack Submarine, the navy’s newest top of the line ship.

The new submarine, dubbed the USS Iowa, had it’s naming ceremony at Iowa State University MU, on Wednesday afternoon.

This is the fifth navy ship to be named after Iowa.

“We are once again naming a ship, the most technologically advanced ship in the world, after Iowa,” Mabus said.

Gov. Terry Branstad was also in attendance, and spoke about the ship’s importance to Iowa.

“The capabilities of our U.S. submarines and their crews add to our nation’s worldwide presence and strength,” Branstad said. “Iowa is truly fortunate to have been selected to have this special submarine named after our state.”

ISU President Steven Leath joined Branstad at the ceremony and talked about the university’s thoughts on the ceremony, emphasizing Iowa State’s ROTC program.

“The timing of the event couldn’t be more appropriate, as Iowa State is commemorating its 70th anniversary this weekend of our Naval ROTC program,” Leath said.

Iowa State’s Naval ROTC members, who were at the ceremony in full uniform, relished in the opportunity to see the naming of the ship and meet the secretary of the navy.

“It’s really exciting for us and especially since this is a big weekend too because we have the 70th anniversary of ROTC here at Iowa State,” said Midshipman Andrew Mann, senior in civil engineering.

Leath said he thought it was fitting that the ceremony took place in Memorial Union, as the building was originally built in 1928 to honor students who served in the military. 

“This building, for those of you who are not familiar with it, actually stands as an important reminder of the sacrifices of our military,” Leath said. “Each name from World War I to Iraq to Afghanistan is marked in the [Gold Star] Hall and etched on the wall.”