The ceremony included ship sponsor Maureen Paparo, a *Philadelphia* native, who was joined by her spouse, Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander US Indo-Pacific Command. Also, attending the ceremony were Chris Kastner, HII’s President and CEO, Brian Blanchette, Ingalls Shipbuilding president, and key US Navy officials.

“Today we mark an extraordinary moment in the construction of the future USS *Philadelphia*,” Blanchette said. “Every part we add to this ship — from the smallest weld to the largest grand block — reflects the skill and dedication of our Ingalls shipbuilders and our shared commitment to the sailors and Marines who will one day rely on her. Their mission is our purpose, and we are honored to support the warfighter by delivering a ship worthy of the name *Philadelphia*.”

As part of the ceremony, Ingalls Structural Welder Cory Dillon etched the sponsor’s initials into a ceremonial steel plate, a long-standing naval tradition symbolizing the ship’s official start of construction.…