Lisa Phillips Named President of USS Wisconsin SSBN 827 Association

GREEN BAY, Wis. (January 2, 2026)— To mark his 85th birthday on Jan. 1, 2026, CAPT James Harvey, USN (Ret), concluded a distinguished tenure as President of the USS Wisconsin SSBN 827 Association. The Association extends its profound gratitude to CAPT Harvey for his steadfast leadership, strategic guidance, and unwavering commitment to honoring Wisconsin’s naval heritage while preparing the Association to support the Sailors and families of the upcoming COLUMBIA Class submarine USS WISCONSIN (SSBN 827). His stewardship leaves a robust foundation for continued growth and communal impact.

Effective Jan. 1, 2026, Lisa Phillips formally assumed the role of President of the USS Wisconsin SSBN 827 Association. Having previously served as Vice President, Phillips steps into this position with the unanimous support and confidence of the Board of Directors and a resolute commitment to advancing the Association’s mission.

Phillips brings nearly four decades of distinguished civilian service as an acquisition engineer in support of the nation’s submarine force. Over the course of her 38-year career, she collaborated extensively with the submarine community, supporting generations of Sailors, engineers, and defense leaders responsible for designing, developing, delivering, and sustaining the country’s most survivable strategic deterrent. Her professional contributions consistently focused on enabling the submarine force to operate safely, communicate reliably, and execute missions with absolute confidence, responsibilities she upheld with a rigorous sense of accountability and patriotic purpose.

This commitment is deeply personal. Her husband, Keith Phillips, is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and a former submarine officer. Having experienced the rigors of submarine service and the inherent sacrifice firsthand, Phillips brings a unique perspective to the role, one anchored not only in professional expertise but also in a deep understanding of what it means to entrust loved ones to the "Silent Service." This firsthand perspective has shaped her lifelong dedication to supporting Sailors, their families, and the communities that sustain them.

The connection Phillips maintains with the state of Wisconsin is both personal and enduring. Through family ties, close friendships, and a well-known affinity for the Green Bay Packers, she has long considered Wisconsin a second home. Keith Phillips further strengthens those ties, having grown up in Green Bay and graduated from Abbot Pennings High School in De Pere before beginning his naval career. Together, they share a deep appreciation for the values of the state, its people, and its proud tradition of military service.

As President, Phillips will focus on ensuring organizational continuity while strategically expanding the Association’s reach and impact across the state and the nation. She is particularly passionate about advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, skilled trades, and workforce development. This vision integrates early engagement through schools, youth organizations, and scouting programs, and extends through higher education pathways. She is also a strong advocate for increasing opportunities for women in STEM fields and is committed to ensuring that the Association’s initiatives remain inclusive, accessible, and forward-thinking.

Phillips approaches this role with integrity, steady judgment, and a multigenerational vision rooted in responsible stewardship and respect for the state's naval legacy. Under her leadership, the USS Wisconsin SSBN 827 Association will continue to grow as a premier organization, one that honors service, supports Sailors and families, promotes education, inspires future generations, and strengthens the enduring bond between Wisconsin and the submarine that bears its name.

Please join the Board in thanking CAPT Harvey for his exceptional service and welcoming Lisa Phillips as President of the Association.

FORWARD!

Deep Dive Issue 2

We are proud to publish Issue 02 of the Deep Dive, our newsletter highlighting the people, progress, and purpose behind the USS Wisconsin SSBN 827 Association and our growing community of supporters, the 3rd Crew.

In this issue, you’ll find:

• Coverage of the historic Keel Laying Ceremony, including remarks from ADM William Houston, RDML Todd Weeks, General Dynamics Electric Boat President Mark Rayha, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, and Ship’s Sponsor & Keel Authenticator Dr. Kelly Geurts.

• A full recap of the Meet the Sponsor Social, held at the Submarine Force Library and Museum on the eve of the Keel Laying, featuring Navy leaders, shipbuilders, Wisconsin representatives, donors, and members of the BB 64 community.

• A new historical feature, “USS WISCONSIN (SSBN 827): Guardian of the Homeland,” by Director John Lindstedt, launching a three-part series on the origins of Fleet Ballistic Missile submarines.

• Donor recognition, including a spotlight on Fluor and acknowledgments of our Gold, Silver, and Bronze Corporate Donors.

• Highlights from statewide and national Keel Laying Watch Parties, bringing together supporters from Madison, Manitowoc, Superior, and Norfolk.

• Program milestones as WISCONSIN (SSBN 827) advances toward Christening in 2028 and Commissioning in 2030.

Whether you are already a member of the 3rd Crew, a soon-to-be member, a donor, or a friend of the Association, the Deep Dive is your connection to the future crews, the mission they will carry forward, and Wisconsin’s proud maritime heritage.

Read the full issue here.

USS Wisconsin SSBN 827 Association Celebrates Dr. Kelly Geurts as Ship’s Sponsor for Historic Keel Laying Ceremony

August 27, 2025

NORTH KINGSTOWN, Rhode Island. — The USS Wisconsin SSBN 827 Association proudly announces Dr. Kelly Geurts, an esteemed Honorary Board Director and Ship’s Sponsor will preside over the official Keel Laying Ceremony for WISCONSIN (SSBN 827) on Aug. 27, 2025, at General Dynamics Electric Boat’s Quonset Point facility in Rhode Island.

The event symbolizes the official start of construction for the U.S. Navy’s newest ballistic missile submarine, highlighting the legacy of the Silent Service and Wisconsin’s maritime heritage.

"It's a profound honor to serve as our Ship’s Sponsor," Dr. Geurts said. "This submarine will embody the resilience and dedication of our Sailors, and I am deeply committed to supporting her future crews and their families throughout their journey."

Dr. Geurts, a retired educator with a distinguished 32-year career, is renowned for her dedication to inclusion, arts integration, and educational access. Her community service, coupled with her experience as a military spouse, deepens her connection to this milestone event. During the Keel Laying ceremony, the Ship’s Sponsor will authenticate the keel by welding her initials onto a metal plate. The plate with her initials will then be permanently affixed to the ship and Dr. Geurts will proclaim the keel to be “truly and fairly laid.”

Grace Stanke, Miss America 2023, Miss Wisconsin 2022 and Honorary USS Wisconsin SSBN 827 Association Board Director, will read Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers’ Proclamation of August 27, 2025 as “USS WISCONSIN SSBN 827 Day” at the Keel Laying ceremony.

The USS Wisconsin SSBN 827 Association connects Wisconsin citizens to their namesake submarine, promoting naval history, educational initiatives, and the Silent Service’s vital mission. Dr. Geurts’ selection underscores the Association’s commitment to building enduring ties between the Navy and Wisconsin communities.

"We are delighted that Dr. Geurts, a core member of our Association and passionate supporter of our mission, is serving as the Keel Authenticator,” said CAPT Jim Harvey, USN (Ret), Association President. "Her life's work in education and advocacy reflects the values of our Association."

The ceremony, occurring symbolically on the submarine’s hull number date of 8/27, marks a critical milestone as the submarine moves from design to physical construction. The Association hosted a Meet the Sponsor Social the evening of Aug. 26 at the Submarine Force Library & Museum in Groton, Connecticut, and is sponsoring Keel Laying Watch Parties across Wisconsin and in Virginia.

As WISCONSIN (SSBN 827) takes shape, the Association remains dedicated to honoring submariners, celebrating Wisconsin’s naval heritage and shipbuilding legacy, and inspiring future generations.

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 http://www.usswisconsinsub.org/.

Contact:

CAPT Kathy DiMaggio, USN (Ret), Secretary

USS Wisconsin SSBN 827 Association
Email: dimaggio.kathy@usswisconsinsub.org

 Lisa Phillips, Vice President

USS Wisconsin SSBN 827 Association
Email: phillips.lisa@usswisconsinsub.org

Press release (pdf): 20250827 Keel Laying Press Release USS Wisconsin SSBN 827 Association

Warship legacy continues

The first casting of the future submarine USS WISCONSIN (SSBN 827)

A Historic Moment for Wisconsin and the U.S. Navy

This week marks a proud milestone as construction symbolically begins on WISCONSIN (SSBN 827) – a $9 billion COLUMBIA Class ballistic missile submarine that will carry Wisconsin’s name into the next era of national defense.

Slated to be one of the largest and most advanced submarines ever built, WISCONSIN (SSBN 827) will serve as a critical component of America’s strategic nuclear deterrence fleet. WISCONSIN (SSBN 827) will continue Wisconsin’s deep naval history and maritime legacy – from the battleship USS Wisconsin (BB-64) of World War II to the more than 300 Wisconsin based businesses supporting the design, development and manufacturing of the COLUMBIA Class submarines today.

We invite you to read this in-depth article from the Wisconsin State Journal to learn more about this historic project and to celebrate the USS Wisconsin SSBN 827 Association’s role in forging this new chapter in naval history.

#USSWisconsin #SSBN827 #ColumbiaClass #USNavy #WisconsinPride #Veterans #NavalHeritage

Barry Adams of the Wisconsin State Journal talks about the Ship’s Sponsor and the upcoming Keel Laying for WISCONSIN (SSBN 827)

Wisconsin has a strong connection to a new submarine

Warship legacy continues (pdf)

Observing USS Wisconsin (SSBN 827) Day August 24, 2024

Wisconsin Inflatable Submarine 827 (WIS 827) rests high at The Highground

 Neillsville, WI (August 24, 2024) – In anticipation of USS Wisconsin (SSBN 827) Day, a group of veterans and citizens gathered at The Highground to read Governor Evers’ proclamation.  Along with them, the USS Wisconsin SSBN 827 Association’s 50-foot inflatable replica of the future USS Wisconsin, fondly known as WIS 827, was displayed overlooking Wisconsin at The Highground Veterans Memorial Park. 

 “Connecting the future submarine WISCONSIN with the citizens of Wisconsin is our goal,” said CAPT Jim Harvey, USN (ret), President of USS Wisconsin SSBN 827 Association. “The Highground Veterans Memorial Park whose mission is to ‘Honor, Educate and Heal, our Veterans,’ is a most beautiful setting and central to all in Wisconsin – and we thank them for allowing WIS 827 to visit and supporting all veterans.”

“NOW, THEREFORE, I, Tony Evers, Governor of the State of Wisconsin, do hereby proclaim August 27, 2024 as USS WISCONSIN (SSBN 827) DAY throughout the State of Wisconsin and I commend this observance across our state and to all our state’s residents, and request a “Minute of Recognition” on August 27, 2024, at 8:27 a.m., or 0827 military time, in acknowledgement.”

SSBN 827 is a ballistic missile submarine, under construction with anticipated Keel Laying Ceremony in 2025, and scheduled to join the fleet in the early 2030s as the second boat of the Columbia Class submarines. She will be the third United States Navy vessel named after the Badger State. The previous two were battleships that served collectively during World War I, World War II, Korea, the Cold War, and the Persian Gulf War.  Other Navy ships are named for cities in Wisconsin, including USS Green Bay (LPD 20) homeported in San Diego, CA, the future USS Beloit (LCS 29) and USS Milwaukee (LCS-5).

Wisconsin Inflatable Submarine 827 is an 1/11 scale model of the future USS Wisconsin submarine and was built using scaled down specifications of the actual submarine’s design.  “She might not have 16 ballistic missiles or a crew of 155 Sailors, but WIS 827 is a perfect representation of the future submarine and a very physical reminder to the citizens of Wisconsin of the great honor bestowed on our state with the naming of the USS Wisconsin (SSBN 827).”

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About the USS Wisconsin Association

To help support the exceptional men and women who will one day operate and maintain the future nuclear- powered ballistic missile submarine, USS Wisconsin, a group of Navy Veterans and Wisconsinites formed a tax exempt, not-for-profit organization incorporated in the State of Wisconsin in 2021. Their mission is to build and maintain a proud and active relationship with the citizens of Wisconsin and the Blue and Gold crews and families of SSBN 827 Wisconsin. Their objectives include:

• Encourage, advocate, and generate statewide support for the future USS Wisconsin (SSBN 827) throughout the life of this submarine and to educate the citizens of Wisconsin about their namesake submarine.

• Support the morale, well-being and recreation of the Blue and Gold crews and their families.

• Educate the crews about the beauty of Wisconsin and the heritage of previous vessels commissioned as USS Wisconsin.

• Support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education for Wisconsin students by applying nuclear submarine operation principles as a focal point.

Additional information about the USS Wisconsin SSBN 827 Association can be found at www.usswisconsinsub.org.