Employee volunteers are needed to assist during the Dec. 7 christening ceremony for Virginia-class submarine Arkansas (SSN 800).

In addition, the Communications Division is seeking a volunteer to sing the national anthem at the event.

Members of the Little Rock Nine are the ship’s sponsors and will participate in the christening.

The Little Rock Nine made history in 1957 as the first African American students to attend all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. The move fulfilled the landmark Supreme Court decision that ruled racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. Faced with shouting mobs, threats of violence and hostile state leaders who blocked their way, the teenagers were escorted by federal troops at the direction of President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Email [email protected] for more information about volunteering at the event or auditioning to sing the national anthem.

National anthem volunteers can also call 757-380-4386. NNS is preferably seeking an employee working in the Virginia-Class Submarine Program or from the state of Arkansas. Volunteers should be prepared to sing a cappella.