Little Rock Nine Member Christens Arkansas-Named Nuclear Submarine

On December 8, 2024, a significant event took place in the world of naval history and civil rights. Carlotta Walls LaNier, one of the nine Black students who desegregated Little Rock Central High School in 1957, known as the Little Rock Nine, christened the nuclear submarine USS Arkansas (SSN 800). This event marked a historic moment, as it was the first time a member of the Little Rock Nine was involved in the naming and christening of a U.S. Navy vessel.

The USS Arkansas, a Virginia-class submarine, is the fifth naval ship named for Arkansas and the 27th in a series of Virginia-class submarines. The submarine is equipped with advanced capabilities, including enhanced firepower, maneuverability, and stealth, which contribute to the U.S. Navy's strategic objectives and global presence. Its reconfigurable torpedo room supports special operations forces, while photonics masts replace traditional periscopes, providing more space and improved layout in the control room.

The involvement of the Little Rock Nine in the christening ceremony for the USS Arkansas carries significant historical and symbolic weight. The Little Rock Nine represent resilience, courage, and progress, and their involvement in the ceremony underscores the submarine's connection to Arkansas' history and the state's commitment to innovation and leadership in the U.S. Navy. The event also highlights the Navy's recognition of the Little Rock Nine's impact on American society and their enduring legacy.

The christening of the USS Arkansas by Carlotta Walls LaNier signifies a significant step in the U.S. Navy's efforts to diversify its workforce and foster a more inclusive culture. This event can have several long-term effects on recruitment and retention, particularly among minority groups. Firstly, it serves as a powerful symbol of the Navy's commitment to diversity and inclusion, which can attract a broader range of candidates. Secondly, the association with the Little Rock Nine, who fought for desegregation, can inspire minority candidates to join the Navy, knowing that they are part of an organization that values their contributions. Lastly, the naming of the submarine after a state with a significant minority population can help the Navy build stronger connections with diverse communities, potentially leading to improved retention rates.

The naming of the USS Arkansas also fosters a sense of civic pride and engagement among its residents. This connection can inspire patriotism, encourage support for the armed forces, and even boost local economy through increased tourism and related activities. The association with the Little Rock Nine and the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School may also attract tourism and further boost the state's economy.

The Navy's decision to honor the Little Rock Nine through the submarine's sponsorship influences public perception of the military and its commitment to diversity and inclusion. This move symbolizes the Navy's recognition of the Little Rock Nine's courage and resilience in desegregating Little Rock Central High School in 1957. By involving these civil rights icons in the submarine's christening, the Navy demonstrates its dedication to honoring the past while looking towards a more inclusive future. This gesture fosters goodwill and strengthens the bond between the military and the public, particularly among communities that have historically faced discrimination.

In conclusion, the christening of the USS Arkansas by Carlotta Walls LaNier, a member of the Little Rock Nine, signifies a historic moment in the U.S. Navy's commitment to diversity and inclusion. This event not only honors the state of Arkansas and its history but also highlights the courage and resilience of the Little Rock Nine. The advanced capabilities of the USS Arkansas contribute to the U.S. Navy's strategic objectives and global presence, while the naming decision fosters civic pride and engagement among Arkansas residents. The Navy's recognition of the Little Rock Nine's impact on American society and their enduring legacy further strengthens the bond between the military and the public, particularly among communities that have historically faced discrimination.