Connelly welcomes USS Illinois crew and support group

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Gov. Bruce Rauner joined State Sen. Michael Connelly (R-Wheaton) and two other lawmakers to welcome crew members and support group of the soon-to-be christened USS Illinois to the State Capitol on April 29.

The Virginia-Class submarine, USS Illinois will be the first commissioned naval vessel to bear the state’s name in nearly 120 years, when it sets sail for sea trials in June. The USS Illinois’ roots date back to 1897 when the last Illinois-class battleship bore the state’s name; however, that ship only briefly saw action during the early 1900s. Another USS Illinois battleship was to be constructed during the World War II era, but naval officials decided against it as the war was winding down.

In recent years, another submarine -- the USS Chicago -- has carried on the state’s rich naval history. To find out more about the USS Illinois support group, please visit www.ussillinois.org.

Also pictured in the photo are State Reps. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) and Keith Wheeler (R-North Aurora).