Building the Next USS Wisconsin: Updates and Celebration of the SSBN 827 Construction at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum
MADISON, August 13, 2026 - Five years into construction, the future USS Wisconsin (SSBN 827) is taking shape, and the public is invited to hear the latest on its progress at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum on August 27, 2026. The event kicks off at 9:15 a.m. with a reading of Governor Evers' proclamation declaring August 27 as USS Wisconsin Day, honoring the submarine's hull number, 827. Officials from the USS Wisconsin (SSBN 827) Association will be on hand to answer questions.
On view in the museum gallery will be a casting from torpedo tube from the Wisconsin (SSBN 827) and images relating to the boat’s construction. This vessel is the third U.S. Navy vessel to be named after the state of Wisconsin.
“As the keeper of memories for Wisconsin veterans and the other battleships named USS Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum is proud to preserve and tell the stories of the newest Navy vessel to bear that proud name and tradition. We are thrilled to begin telling 827’s story with the torpedo tube casting.” said Kolakowski.
The future United States Ship (USS) Submersible Ship Ballistic Missile Nuclear (SSBN 827) Wisconsin is the second in class submarine of the Columbia (SSBN 826) Class Ballistic Missile Submarines. SSBN 827 is currently under construction via a manufacturing teaming arrangement between General Dynamics, Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut and Huntington Ingalls Industries in Newport News, Virginia. More than 300 defense contractors and hardware and software suppliers from the state of Wisconsin are also supporting the design and development of Columbia (SSBN 826) Class submarines.
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Media contact:
Wisconsin Veterans Museum
Jennifer Stevenson, Marketing Specialist, Sr.
(608) 224-9653
jennifer.stevenson@dva.wisconsin.gov
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About the Wisconsin Veterans Museum
As a means to educate and inspire an intelligent love of country since 1901, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum preserves and shares the stories of Wisconsin veterans from the Civil War to present day.
The museum is one of two Smithsonian Affiliate museums in the state and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The Wisconsin Veterans Museum is an educational activity of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs.
About the USS Wisconsin SSBN 827 Association:
The USS Wisconsin SSBN 827 Association supports the future crews and families of Wisconsin (SSBN 827), promotes Wisconsin’s naval legacy, raises awareness of the Silent Service’s critical role, fosters STEM education, and strengthens community connections. Learn more at www.usswisconsinsub.org.
Contact:
Lisa Phillips, President
USS Wisconsin SSBN 827 Association
phillips.lisa@usswisconsinsub.org
CAPT Kathy DiMaggio, USN (Ret), Secretary
USS Wisconsin SSBN 827 Association
dimaggio.kathy@usswisconsinsub.org