HELENA — Helena area residents learned more about the commanding officers and crew from the USS Helena and USS Montana at a lunch on Tuesday.
The two boats are nuclear-powered fast attack submarines.
The USS Montana is a Virginia class, newer submarine that is currently under construction.
The USS Helena is a Los Angeles class, older boat. It has served the nation for more than three decades. It’s currently being repaired and refitted in Newport News, Virginia, near where the USS Montana is being built.
U.S. Navy sailor Matt Kunzik spoke with MTN News, stating, “Meeting all the people […] here to support the USS Montana and all the Montanans [is awesome].”
Some keynote speakers for the event included Chairman Bill Whitsitt as well as Mayor Wilmot Collins.
Virginia class submarines will ultimately replace the Los Angeles class boats as they are retired.
The USS Montana is expected to be completed and commissioned in 2021.
-Reported by Christine Sullivan/MTN News
