CHRISTIE VILSACK - USS IOWA ANCHORS AWEIGH!

We caught up with

Christie Vilsack

, who is onsite in Groton, Connecticut, for the commissioning of the USS Iowa, the newest addition to the United States Naval fleet.

With her signature blend of heart and home-state pride, Vilsack brought a unique gift for the families of the crew—packets of seeds from Earl May in Shenandoah, Iowa. Her thoughtful gesture encouraged families to plant and nurture flowers while their loved ones serve offshore—a living symbol of growth, hope, and the promise of reunion.

Vilsack, a lifelong advocate for education and civic engagement, served as Iowa’s First Lady from 1999 to 2007 while her husband, Tom Vilsack, was governor. He has also held national roles as Secretary of Agriculture under both the Obama and Biden administrations. Christie herself has remained a steadfast public servant, continuing to champion literacy, rural development, and the power of connection—values she brought with her to Groton. She’s a writer and journalist by training and joined the

Iowa Writers Collaborative Roundup

this month.

Read Christie’s column leading up to this event:

Common Ground: USS IOWA SSN-797

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And here is more background information about the USS Navy from

Pat Kinney

:

It's 'Anchors Aweigh' for new USS Iowa

Christie Vilsack, Commissioning Ceremony for the USS Iowa, Groton, CT. Photos by Jennifer Mullin