Building Minnesota

At the peak of construction, more than 1,000 shipbuilders worked directly on Minnesota, and countless more touched the construction process indirectly. Working in partnership with General Dynamics Electric Boat, Newport News Shipbuilding was responsible for building the ship's bow and stern sections, as well as the Habitability (HAB), Auxiliary Machinery Room (AMR) and Weapons modules.

Construction on Minnesota began in February 2008, and the keel was laid on May 20, 2011. One year later, on May 23, 2012, the ship was announced "pressure hull complete." The ship is now 92 percent complete and is on schedule to be delivered to the U.S. Navy 11 months early.

Watch the Minnesota Keel Laying ceremony