US Navy Gifted With $2.7 Billion Submarine By Michelle Obama

The US Navy has received $2.7 billion USS Illinois Virginia-class submarine as a gift from lady Michelle Obama.

Being named after Obama’s home state, the submarine is capable of carrying 12 Tomahawk cruise missiles, military.com reported Sunday.

It took five and half years to construct this Virginia-class submarine, which will be commissioned on October 29.

Kenneth Blomstedt, vice president of ship manufacturer Electric Boat said, the submarine performed "superbly during recent tests at sea."  Commander Jess Porter has described the Illinois as a "stealthy weapon" that can "influence adversaries in a way that makes the US more secure."

Porter will command a crew of 130 men, as the ship conducts additional testing. "Every submarine counts," said Captain Michael Stevens, the Navy's Virginia-class program manager.

"Every submarine is needed out there." the lady Michelle Obama said. She was first to make it a priority to support military families.

The ship was christened by breaking a bottle of champagne across the submarine's bow last year.