apnews.com
USS Arkansas Christened: Connecting Civil Rights Legacy to Naval Power
The USS Arkansas, a Virginia-class nuclear submarine, was christened Saturday at Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia, with three members of the Little Rock Nine serving as sponsors; the submarine is the 27th in its class and is expected to launch in 2025.
- What is the significance of the USS Arkansas's christening ceremony?
- The USS Arkansas, a Virginia-class nuclear submarine, was christened on Saturday, nearly a decade after its announcement. Three members of the Little Rock Nine, who desegregated Little Rock Central High School in 1957, served as sponsors, symbolically connecting a pivotal moment in civil rights history with the Navy's advanced technology. The submarine, the 27th in its class and 13th built at Newport News Shipbuilding, is expected to launch in 2025.
- What are the long-term implications of this event for the U.S. Navy and its relationship with the American public?
- The USS Arkansas's christening symbolizes the ongoing evolution of naval technology and the enduring legacy of the Civil Rights Movement. The choice of sponsors highlights the Navy's commitment to diversity and inclusion while demonstrating the continued relevance of historical events in shaping modern military narratives. The submarine's advanced capabilities represent a significant investment in national security, shaping future power dynamics.
- How does the selection of the Little Rock Nine as sponsors connect the submarine's launch to broader historical narratives?
- The christening ceremony highlighted the contributions of the Little Rock Nine, emphasizing their legacy of overcoming adversity. The event also marked the 83rd anniversary of Pearl Harbor, connecting the submarine's launch with a significant moment in U.S. naval history. This dual focus underscored themes of perseverance and national security, reflecting both the past and future of the U.S. Navy.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the historical and symbolic aspects of the christening, linking the submarine to the Little Rock Nine's legacy of overcoming adversity. This positive framing might overshadow any potential criticisms of military spending or the implications of nuclear submarine technology. The headline itself, if it exists, would likely reinforce this positive framing.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and descriptive. Terms like "courageous sponsors" are positive but not overtly loaded. The use of the term "christening" is a traditional term, but could be considered slightly loaded for those with a secular viewpoint.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the christening ceremony and the historical significance of the Little Rock Nine, but omits details about the submarine's technical capabilities and mission. While mentioning it's a Virginia-class submarine, there's no discussion of its specific weaponry, technology, or operational role. This omission might leave readers with an incomplete understanding of the vessel beyond its symbolic importance.
Sustainable Development Goals
The christening ceremony of the USS Arkansas highlighted the legacy of the Little Rock Nine, symbolizing the progress made in racial equality and justice. The event served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for civil rights and the importance of overcoming adversity to achieve a more just and equitable society. This aligns with SDG 16, which promotes peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.