Kiggans Selected as Sponsor of U.S. Navy’s USS Congress 

WASHINGTON, DC: Yesterday, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced that Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) was selected to be one of four sponsors of the USS Congress, a new Constellation-class multi-mission guided-missile frigate. The ship’s additional sponsors are Senators Joni Ernst (IA) and Tammy Baldwin (WI), and Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04). Notably, sponsors of the USS Congress are all women and represent both parties and chambers in Congress. Congresswoman Kiggans is the only sponsor to have served in the Navy.

“As a former Navy helicopter pilot, wife of a retired F-18 pilot, and mom to a Student Naval Aviator (SNA), it is an extraordinary privilege to serve as a sponsor of the new USS Congress,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “The United States Navy runs through my veins, which is why I wake up every day and work tirelessly in Congress to advocate for all of our Sailors and the entire Hampton Roads region. I look forward to maintaining a lifelong relationship with the USS Congress and her crew. Wherever she may go, this ship will ensure our Sailors can continue to fulfill their commitments to our citizens, our nation, and freedom around the globe.”

“It is in the spirit of bipartisanship that I am honored to announce the sponsors of the future USS Congress (FFG 63) represent both institutions of Congress and both major political parties,” said Secretary Del Toro. “There is no one better than Senator Baldwin, Senator Ernst, Representative McCollum, and Representative Kiggans to connect Congress with the highly capable frigate that will bear its name.”

“Congratulations to Congresswoman Jen Kiggans on being selected as one of the ship’s sponsors for the USS Congress,” said Maryellen Baldwin, President and CEO of Navy League Hampton Roads. “We are incredibly proud that our very own Congresswoman was chosen for this prestigious role. With her remarkable dedication to serving our military, her background as a Navy helicopter pilot, military wife, mom, and daughter, Congresswoman Kiggans truly embodies the spirit and commitment of our naval community. Her tireless work on behalf of our Navy and all of the armed forces highlights her understanding of the importance of a strong maritime defense. We know she will bring great honor to this role and to the USS Congress.”

The Constellation-class guided-missile frigate represents the Navy’s next generation small surface combatant. This ship class will be an agile, multi-mission warship, capable of operations in both blue-water and littoral environments, providing increased combat-credible forward presence that provides a military advantage at sea. It will have multi-mission capability to conduct air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, electronic warfare, and information operations.

The Constellation-class’ first frigate, the USS Constellation, was laid down in April 2024. The USS Congress is the second ship in the class. Its name comes from the one of the original six frigates authorized by Congress in the Naval Act of 1794, which established the U.S. Navy and created the ever-lasting partnership between the sea service and our nation’s legislative branch. The first USS Congress, which launched in August 1799, was named by President George Washington.

Additional photos from the event can be found here.

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