North Kingstown, R.I. ― Electric Boat held a keel-laying for the Virginia-class submarine Tang (SSN 805) at its Quonset Point facility Thursday.

A keel-laying is a ceremonial event in which the initials of the ship's sponsor are welded onto a plate to be attached to the submarine. It marks a milestone in the construction of a ship.

“This ship represents our ongoing commitment to provide the Navy with the most capable and lethal submarines it needs to ensure our country’s freedom in an increasingly contested undersea arena,” EB President Kevin Graney said.

The ship’s sponsor, Mimi Donnelly, the daughter-in-law, wife and mother of Navy submariners, was accompanied by her husband, retired Vice Adm. Jay Donnelly.

Vice Adm. William Houston, commander of Naval Submarine Forces, gave the keynote address, in which he stressed the importance of the EB shipbuilders’ work.

The submarine will be the third Navy ship to carry the name Tang. The first USS Tang is credited as the most successful U.S. submarine in World War II, sinking 33 enemy ships.