Christening of the USS Illinois, Ft. Michelle Obama.

I became an U.S. citizen four years ago this October. But only recently, on October 10th, 2015 did I get the chance to experience an American military celebration. Yes, this was a few weeks ago, but I had midterms... 

That's me at the Christening in front of the sail of the Illinois. (Photo by Robert P. Collins)

The USS Illinois, a Virginia-class nuclear-powered fast attack submarine that was commissioned by the Navy, was being christened by none other than First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama, who is the ship’s sponsor. 

A highly zoomed-in shot of the FLOTUS, Michelle Obama, with Jeffrey Geiger, President of General Dynamics Electric Boat. (Photo courtesy of Julie Signa)

Being a naturalized American with no military connection, this type of celebration is completely foreign to me and I felt privileged, not only to have the possibility of meeting Ms. Obama (I didn’t…), but to gain insight into one of the U.S. government’s most costly investments in defense. 

This submarine apparently cost the American taxpayers $3 billion. But apparently it was worth it, because as Ms. Obama said herself at the keel laying ceremony last June, “Wow. All right, can I just break with protocol and say, this is really cool.”

The First Lady smashes the ceremonial champagne! It took her three tries... But only because it's wrapped in a metal mesh and skin that keeps glass shards from injuring her and other Navy personnel. (Photo by S. Soni)

The Christening ceremony included remarks from the Secretary of the Navy, 3 U.S. House Representatives, 4 U.S. Senators, and the Governor of Illinois.

Special thanks to Robert P. Collins for inviting me to the Christening as his plus 1.