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Iowa's former first lady Vilsack cracks the champagne on the new USS Iowa

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River to River, hosted by Ben Kieffer

The USS Iowa, a nuclear attack submarine, is the first of its kind that includes accommodations built for women. The christening took place in Connecticut on June 17.

Larger than a football field, measuring in at 377 feet and more than 7,000 tons, the U.S. Navy's newest nuclear attack submarine is named after the state of Iowa.

River to River host Ben Kieffer talks with three of the crew members of the USS Iowa which is anticipated to be commissioned in the spring of 2024 to begin an expected three decades of service.

They also listen to excerpts from the christening ceremony including the sub's sponsor Christie Vilsack, president of the boat's manufacturer Kevin Graney, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, and Congressman Zach Nunn of Iowa's 3rd Congressional District.

Guests:

  • Lt. Commander Kevin O’Malley, executive officer, USS Iowa
  • Master Chief Dexter Buckley, Chief of Boat, USS Iowa
  • Master Chief Joseph Johns, Webster City native and Supply Leading Chief Petty Officer, USS Iowa
Ben Kieffer is the host of IPR's River to River
Samantha McIntosh is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from St. Cloud State University. Since 2022, McIntosh has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.
Madeleine Willis is IPR's Production Assistant supporting the talk shows and The Sunny Side Project. Willis has experience in audio production, reporting, writing and editing stories and conversations. She's reported and produced conversations on womanhood, sports, and good news from across Iowa. Willis will receive her bachelors degree from the University of Iowa in May 2025.