USS Illinois to join Navy fleet in 2015

June 22, 2012 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- A ceremony was held Friday for the first modern Navy vessel to be named for Illinois.

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn joined secretary Ray Mabus at the USS Illinois ceremony at Navy Pier.

The Illinois is the navy's newest class of attack submarines designed for deep ocean warfare and shallow water operations.

"This ship, this USS Illinois honors the citizens of Illinois who have so strongly supported our military and it honors Illinois veterans, some of whom we have with us today," Mabus said.

It is expected to join the fleet in 2015.

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