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Navy to Christen Submarine Colorado

The Navy will christen its newest Virginia-class fast attack submarine, the future USS Colorado (SSN 788), during an 11 a.m. EDT ceremony Saturday, Dec. 3 at General Dynamics Electric Boat Shipyard in Groton, Connecticut.

The Honorable Ray Mabus, secretary of the Navy, will deliver the ceremony's principal address. His daughter, Anne Mabus, is serving as the ship's sponsor.

"The christening of the future USS Colorado is an example of our enduring partnership with our nation's shipbuilders, and this ceremony marks a milestone along the journey to add another submarine to our Navy fleet-a fleet that will reach more than 300 ships by 2019," Mabus said. "Colorado and its crew will, for decades to come, carry the American spirit and the name of this great state around the world as a testament to the hard work and patriotism of those who built SSN 788 and the people who call Colorado home."

Colorado (SSN 788) is the 15th Virginia-class fast attack submarine and the fifth Virginia-class Block III submarine. The ship began construction in 2015 and is scheduled to commission in 2017. This next-generation attack submarine provides the Navy with the capabilities required to maintain the nation's undersea superiority well into the 21st century.

The submarine will be the fourth U.S. Navy ship to be commissioned with the name Colorado. The first Colorado was a three-masted steam screw frigate that participated in the Union Navy's Gulf Blockading Squadron and that fought in the Second Battle of Fort Fisher with then Lt. George Dewey, serving as her executive officer. In the early years of the 20th Century, the second Colorado (ACR-7) was a Pennsylvania-class armored cruiser that escorted convoys of men and supplies to England during World War I. The third ship of her name, the lead ship of the Colorado class of battleships (BB-45), supported operations in the Pacific theater throughout World War II, surviving two kamikaze attacks and earning seven battle stars.

Colorado has the capability to attack targets ashore with highly accurate Tomahawk cruise missiles and conduct covert long-term surveillance of land areas, littoral waters or other sea-based forces. Other missions include anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, mine delivery and minefield mapping, and special forces delivery and support.

Virginia-class submarines, built under a unique teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries-Newport News, are 7,800 tons and 377 feet in length, have a beam of 34 feet and can operate at more than 25 knots submerged. They are built with a reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship-reducing lifecycle costs while increasing underway time.

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Jeff Head said:

This group made China nervous in the SCS

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This group (a Burke Surface Action Group, SAG) is a strong group...and you can almost bet dollars to doughnuts that at least one Virginia Class SSN was with them somewhere in the vicinity.

As I have said many times in the past.

FON is something the Chinese are not going to be able to stp short of warfare.

But just the same, FON is not going to stop what the Chinese are doing with the islands they are constructing in the SCS.

Both sides will continue. Neither sides wants or needs to "fight" over these actions. Oh, they may (and will) make nosie about them. But both nations are too economically dependent on one another to justify any warfare over this.

If people wil just keep their cool, these actions (FON exercises by the west in the SCS, and a much strnger presence on strong bases built on Reclamation Islands by the Chinese) will become the norm in the area, and that can all happen without the need for, or any justification for combat over it.

@Blackstone @Obi Wan Russell @Brumby @SouthernSky @bd popeye @Air Force Brat

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MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Dec. 5, 2016) An AV-8B Harrier, from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), takes off from the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1). The 22nd MEU, embarked on Wasp, is conducting precision air strikes in support of the Libyan Government aligned forces against Daesh targets in Sirte, Libya, as part of Operation Odyssey Lightning. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathan Wilkes/Released)

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MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Dec. 5, 2016) An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Wildcats of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131 makes an arrest landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). The ship, currently deployed as part of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. (U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Christopher A. Michaels/Released)

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SRI LANKA (Nov. 24, 2016) Maritime Raid Force Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit demonstrate how to conduct visit, board, search, and seizure of a vessel for Sri Lankan Navy Special Boat Squadron Sailors during a Theater Security Cooperation training event at Sri Lanka Naval Base, Trincomalee. This bilateral training allows the two militaries to share tactics and procedures that help build and maintain military readiness, and increase humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness. The 11th MEU, part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet's area of responsibility in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Robert B. Brown/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 3, 2016) Petty Officer 3rd Class Jordan Bassett, assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), backs up an aircraft with a tow tractor on the ship's flight deck. Nimitz is currently underway conducting Tailored Ship's Training Availability and Final Evaluation Problem (TSTA/FEP), which evaluates the crew on their performance during training drills and real-world scenarios. Once Nimitz completes TSTA/FEP they will begin Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) and Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) in preparation for an upcoming 2017 deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Siobhana R. McEwen/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 3, 2016) Seaman George Sablan, left, and Seaman Abraham Alvarez, both assigned to the Gray Wolves of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142 stand on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is currently underway conducting Tailored Ship's Training Availability and Final Evaluation Problem (TSTA/FEP), which evaluates the crew on their performance during training drills and real-world scenarios. Once Nimitz completes TSTA/FEP they will begin Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) and Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) in preparation for an upcoming 2017 deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Siobhana R. McEwen/Released)

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MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Dec. 4th, 2016) Marines prepare to load ordinance onto an AV-8B Harrier, from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1). The 22nd MEU, embarked on Wasp, is conducting precision air strikes in support of the Libyan Government aligned forces against Daesh targets in Sirte, Libya, as part of Operation Odyssey Lighting. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Rawad Madanat/Released)

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MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Dec. 4th, 2016) Marines load ordnance onto an AV-8B Harrier, from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1). (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Rawad Madanat/Released)

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ONSLOW BEACH, N.C. (Dec. 2, 2016) Marines with 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion stand atop their amphibious assault vehicles and prepare for a ship-to-shore movement in the well deck of USS Carter Hall (LSD 50)during Amphibious Ready Group Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise. Twelve AAVs transported approximately 200 Marines with Kilo Co., 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment to Onslow Beach, North Carolina where the infantrymen practiced seizing the terrain. ARG/MEUEX is a part of the 24 MEU training cycle and is preparing Marines and Sailors for a deployment early next year. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Matthew Callahan/Released)

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 4, 2016) A CH-53E Super Stallion with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit takes off from the deck of the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) for a flight during the Amphibious Ready Group Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise. During the three-week training evolution Marines will tackle a wide range of operations and scenarios enhancing interoperability and amphibious warfare capabilities with their Navy counterparts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brianna Gaudi/Released)

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PEARL HARBOR (Dec. 2, 2016) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) pulls into Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, to participate in National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day events in Hawaii. December 7, 2016, will mark the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and Oahu. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Aiyana S. Paschal/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 2, 2016) Sailors salute as USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) passes the Battleship Missouri memorial and arrives at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to participate in National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day events. Dec. 7, 2016, marks the 75th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor and Oahu. The U.S. military and the State of Hawaii are hosting a series of remembrance events throughout the week to honor the courage and sacrifices of those who served Dec. 7, 1941, and throughout the Pacific Theater. As a Pacific nation, the U.S. is committed to continue its responsibility of protecting the Pacific sea-lanes, advancing international ideals and relationships, as well as delivering security, influence and responsiveness in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Cole C. Pielop/Released)

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PEARL HARBOR (Dec. 2, 2016) Petty Officer 2nd Class Kevin Smith, a Navy reservist from Frederick, Maryland, salutes Pearl Harbor survivor Donald Stratton during a ceremony to honor the fallen men of the Pennsylvania-class battleship USS Arizona at National Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl in Honolulu. Stratton was a seaman first class when he escaped the burning wreckage of USS Arizona. Dec. 7, 2016, marks the 75th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor and Oahu. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Gabrielle Joyner/Released)

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HONOLULU (Dec. 3, 2016) Petty Officer 2nd Class Talisha Williams, of Fresno, Calif., assigned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, shakes the hands of a Pearl Harbor survivor arriving at Honolulu International Airport. More than 100 World War II veterans, including Pearl Harbor survivors, arrived to Honolulu to participate in the remembrance events throughout the week to honor the courage and sacrifices of those who served during Dec. 7, 1941, and throughout the Pacific Theater.(U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Nardel Gervacio/Released)

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HONOLULU (Dec. 3, 2016) Ray Chavez, a 104-year-old Navy veteran and the oldest surviving Pearl Harbor veteran, poses for a photo after being greeted by several military members and personnel at the Honolulu International Airport. As a Pacific nation, the U.S. is committed to continue its responsibility of protecting the Pacific sea-lanes, advancing international ideals and relationships, well as delivering security, influence, and responsiveness in the region. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Tara Molle/Released)

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PEARL HARBOR (Dec. 6, 2016) Ray Chavez, 104, the oldest living Pearl Harbor survivor, rings the Freedom Bell during the Freedom Bell Opening Ceremony and Bell Ringing at the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Civilians, veterans, and service members came together to remember and pay their respects to those who fought and lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Wesley Timm/Released)

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PEARL HARBOR (Dec. 6, 2016) Lt. Emily Rosenzweig, a chaplain assigned to 3rd Radio Battalion Religious Ministry Team at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, reads a Hebrew prayer aboard the USS Arizona Memorial during an interfaith prayer service and floral tribute. The event allowed religious leaders from the U.S. military, Hawaii and Japan to engage in prayer to honor the fallen service members. Dec. 7, 2016, marks the 75th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor and Oahu. Since Dec. 7, 1941, the U.S. and Japan have endured more than 70 years of continued peace, a cornerstone of security and prosperity in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. As a Pacific nation, the U.S. is committed to continue its responsibility of protecting the Pacific sea-lanes, advancing international ideals and relationships, well as delivering security, influence and responsiveness in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Katarzyna Kobiljak/Released)

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SAN DIEGO (Dec. 6, 2016) Petty Officer 2nd Class Darrel Dailey leads drill teams for firefighting training during a general quarters exercise aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Theodore Roosevelt is currently moored and homeported in San Diego undergoing a scheduled Planned Maintenance Availability. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jimmi Lee Bruner/Released)

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MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Dec. 6, 2016) Sailors investigate a simulated fire in an engineering space during a general quarters drill aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78). Porter, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. (U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Ford Williams/Released)

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MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Dec. 6, 2016) An EA-18G Growler assigned to the Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130 prepares to launch from the flight deck the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Eisenhower, currently deployed as part of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan T. Beard/Released)

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MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Dec. 5, 2016) The guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) approaches the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Laramie (T-AOE 203) and the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) to conduct an underway replenishment. San Jacinto, deployed as part of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Andrew J. Sneeringer/Released)

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ARABIAN GULF (Dec. 2, 2016) An AV-8B Harrier, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), rests on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) as USS Somerset (LPD 25), left, and the dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE 14) cruise along side during a vertical replenishment. Makin Island is deployed with the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group to support maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Devin M. Langer/Released)

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FORBIN said:

For next year with Washington - 787 build to Newport News first year with 2 Virginia commissioned !


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bd popeye said:

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