US Military News, Reports, Data, etc.

Indianfighter said:

I would suggest the purchase of the LCA trainer by the USAF, since it would be cheaper and almost the same size as that of the T-50.
Although the LCA is undergoing testing, the LCA trainer is expected to be test-flown by the end of this year or next year.

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Well I don’t see any reason for US to purchase LCA, especially the version that still isn’t operational… T-50 would be better choice for T-38 replacement because it’s basically Lockheed Martin project whit US engines, avionics etc… Basically US wouldn’t have any problems incorporating T-50 in its inventory… If you look at US requirements T-50 is most rational solution; LCA joust isn’t…

Island is installed and painted on CVN-77..I still can't believe a CVN is named after the first president Bush..oh well...



NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – July 5, 2006 – On June 15, Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) employees Charles Pierce and Jimmy Shoulars painted the carrier designation “77” onto the island of the nation’s newest aircraft carrier, George H. W. Bush (CVN 77), in preparation for its crane lift onto the carrier’s flight deck July 8.

Pierce and Shoulars have both worked at the company’s Newport News sector for 34 years and said they were proud to paint the numbers for what will be the tenth and final ship of the Nimitz-class.

“I have painted the numbers of several ships, but with this one being the last of the class, I am a part of history,” Shoulars said.

Pierce, who plans to retire after the Bush is delivered to the Navy, said this was the first time he’s painted the numbers on a ship. “The Bush will be the last ship I work on, and it feels good to know I am a part of it,” he said.

Northrop Grumman Newport News is building the George H. W. Bush using modular construction, a process where smaller sections of the ship are welded together to form units called “super lifts.” These super lifts are pre-outfitted and then lifted into the construction dry dock with the sector’s massive 900-ton gantry crane. The island is the 162nd and final super lift in the ship’s construction schedule and will weigh approximately 700 tons when it’s lifted onto the flight deck next month.

The George H. W. Bush’s keel was laid Sept. 6, 2003. The christening will occur in October 2006 with delivery to the U.S. Navy in late 2008.



NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – July 8, 2006 –Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) reached a major milestone today as it lifted the 700-ton island onto the flight deck of the nation’s newest and most advanced nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, George H. W. Bush (CVN 77). The ship’s namesake and 41st President of the United States, George H. W. Bush, participated in the event. He was accompanied by his wife and former First Lady Barbara Bush.

Bush said this construction milestone was a reminder that, “the muscle behind every American, the military, is as strong as ever.”

“Let me thank everybody involved in making this genuine dream a reality and in so doing serve our country in a way that transcends any individual honor involved in the production of this mind-boggling vessel,” he said.

Bush also thanked the shipbuilders for their hard work. “It is an absolutely amazing piece of work up till now, and I just can’t wait to be back in October for the christening. I salute all – these are the best shipbuilders, the best workers we have.”

Bush and the Prospective Commanding Officer for CVN 77, Capt. Kevin O’Flaherty, placed their naval aviator wings underneath the island during the ceremony. This custom, called “stepping the mast,” dates from antiquity and consists of placing coins under the step or bottom of a ship’s mast during construction. One belief from Greek mythology is that should the ship be wrecked during passage, the coins would ensure payment of the crew’s wages for their return home. Since at least the construction of USS Constitution in the 1790s, this tradition of placing coins or other items of significance has been passed on as a symbol of good luck for U.S. Navy ships.

“I am quite honored to participate in the island landing event as a member of the pre-commissioning crew,” O’Flaherty said. “It’s a significant milestone for the shipyard, and it’s the first opportunity for a member of the commissioning crew to contribute a symbol of the Navy’s aviation heritage to the ship."

Other ceremony participants were Bush’s daughter and Ship’s Sponsor, Doro Bush Koch; the Secretary of the Navy, Dr. Donald C. Winter; Northrop Grumman Newport News President Mike Petters; and CVN 77 shipbuilders and sailors.

“This is the final island landing on a Nimitz-class,” Petters said. “So today, in some respects, we’re witnessing the end of an era. This ship is the tenth and last of the class that has served America for the last 26 years and will continue to serve for the next half-century.”

Northrop Grumman’s Newport News sector is building the George H. W. Bush using modular construction, a process where smaller sections of the ship are welded together to form units called “super lifts.” These super lifts are pre-outfitted and then lifted into the construction dry dock with the sector’s massive 900-ton gantry crane. The island is the 162nd and final super lift in the ship’s construction schedule.

Firsts EA-18G Growler takes flight.



Boeing Flies EA-18G Wingtip and Jamming Pods for First Time

The Boeing EA-18G program test team reached a key milestone May 30 when it flew a modified F/A-18F equipped with wingtip antenna and high- and low-band jamming pods for the first time. The flight was part of ongoing flying qualities and carrier suitability testing to validate the EA-18G's shipboard effectiveness. The EA-18G Growler is a derivative of the F/A-18F Super Hornet, that has been flying from carriers since 1997.

The three-month carrier suitability tests, flown by U.S. Navy pilots, include catapult launches and cable arrestments from test facilities at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md. Initial tests will measure aircraft loads to verify that the landing gear and airframe meet design specifications. The tests also will monitor the catapult and arrestment systems to assess if the Growler settings are accurate.

"These tests are a big milestone for the EA-18G program," said Mike Gibbons, Boeing EA-18G program manager. "We know the Super Hornet airframe works well in challenging at-sea conditions. Now we're verifying that the EA-18G, with potentially greater bringback for fuel and weapons capacity, will work just as well."

Over 25 flights, the carrier suitability tests will measure how well the Growler performs in a variety of takeoff and landing situations, including high sink, free flight engagement, on- and off-center catapults and arrestments. The EA-18G testing will allow for higher landing weights than the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet to provide greater flexibility in the return of high-value jamming pods plus other weapons and stores.

Picture discription..Growler takes to the skies and an arresting wire at NAS Patuxent River MD. (Aug. 2, 2006) - A new era in Naval Aviation begins with the first EA-18G Growler aircraft. The next-generation electronic attack aircraft, for the U.S. Navy, combines the combat-proven F/A-18 Super Hornet with a state-of-the-art electronic warfare avionics suite. The EA-18G will feature an airborne electronic attack suite based on Northrop Grumman's Improved Capability III system, a radically new jamming and information warfare system. The EA-18G is expected to enter initial operational capability in 2009.

USN still delivering humanitarian relief to Lebanon

Humanitarian Aid Reaches Lebanon
Story Number: NNS060809-11
Release Date: 8/9/2006 4:17:00 PM



By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (NAC) Michael B. W. Watkins, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

BEIRUT, Lebanon (NNS) -- U.S. Navy High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) delivered more than 100 tons of humanitarian aid to Beirut, Lebanon, Aug. 3.

More than $2 million of relief was donated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and with the help of the Islamic Relief Organization (IRO), was immediately disbursed to approximately 20,000 needy Lebanese citizens.

Diana Sufian, an independent project coordinator, brought the IRO and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints together for the coordinated relief effort.

“We’re true humanitarians,” said Sufian. “We’re reaching out feeding the children who are hungry.”

Sufian expressed her gratitude for the U.S. Navy’s support and interest in delivering the supplies.

“I want to put America’s face on this,” said Sufian. “I want the whole world to see that America cares, and see what these brave men and women in uniform are doing out here.”

Swift's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Rob Morrison, was humbled by the experience and said he was grateful to be able to help.

“It’s an honor to be a part of this,” he said. “I have an outstanding crew, and I am very proud of them for the work they’ve done here in the last few days.”

For related news, visit the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Navy NewsStand page at .

US Navy High Speed Vessel "Swift"..file photo..

Global Hawk flies high, sees All in Rim of the Pacific Navy Exercise

flew four successful maritime surveillance missions to demonstrate the system's capabilities from identifying targets in a coastal, or littoral, environment to wide area maritime search, tracking and identification.

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Equipped with sensors carrying new maritime software modes, GHMD captured images of various RIMPAC activities, including a ship-sinking exercise, expanded maritime interdiction operations, and wide-area search and surveillance to locate target vessels at sea. GHMD flew more than 2,500 miles each way for a total of more than 100 flight hours and provided more than 8 hours on-station time during each mission.

``We directed the GHMD system to perform a series of different missions during the exercise and it provided the near-real-time persistent maritime/littoral surveillance data right when we needed it,'' commented Commander Robert Proano, the U.S. Navy's Third Fleet coordinator for the RIMPAC exercise.

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Global Hawk flies autonomously at an altitude of at least 60,000 feet for more than 35 hours, depending on the mission. During a single mission, Global Hawk can travel more than 10,000 nautical miles from its takeoff location, and it provides detailed image-based intelligence on 40,000 square miles, an area approximately the size of Illinois.

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T-50 looks like a very good AC. It would be good for the USA to close its ties with S. Korea. In todays world its good to keep your allies- Its only a few dollars for the USA
and it looks like a good AC. Look for USA politicians to screw this all up. They cant see further then their next election.

USS Texas(SSN-775) to be comissioned..the second Virginia class SSN..



Navy's new sub has Texas-size expectations
By JON W. GLASS, The Virginian-Pilot
© August 26, 2006

ABOARD THE TEXAS - About 35 miles off Cape Canaveral, Fla., in 1,200 feet of water, the crew of the Navy's newest fast-attack submarine got down to business Friday. It was just after noon.

"Dive! Dive!" the co-pilot of the Texas barked from the control room, a dimly lit command center with 70 video screens lining the walls.

Sonar technicians wearing headphones monitored computer screens tapped into sophisticated new sonar to detect potential enemies.

Fire control technicians - the ones who fire the boat's torpedoes and Tomahawk cruise missiles - watched their own screens.

In the middle of it all, Capt. John Litherland kept watch like a proud father.

He called the submarine "revolutionary."

This $2.7 billion boat, the second of the Navy's Virginia-class submarines, is in the first class designed to fight the battles of a post-Cold War world.

That world, Litherland said, includes monitoring suspected terrorists transporting weapons on a fishing trawler or a tanker carrying contraband.

"We're kind of like a snake in the grass," said the 25-year submarine officer. "Our defense is never being detected. We want to be able to go in and pick their pocket before they know it and get out."

The Texas, delivered to the Navy in June by Northrop Grumman Newport News, left Norfolk on Tuesday for its Sept. 9 commissioning in Galveston, Texas. It stopped Friday at Cape Canaveral to show off the submarine's advanced technology to media from Virginia, Florida and Texas.

The crew ran the submarine through a maneuver known as "angles and dangles," diving to 650 feet and then rapidly rising to 150 feet. It shifted directions quickly at angles as sharp as 30 percent, people had to hang on or dig in their heels to keep from falling down.

"I like to compare it to a ski jump," said Electronics Technician Chief Trent Shaw, who grew up in Virginia Beach. "This is a way to make sure we shake out anything loose or anything that's a noise offender. We want to make sure there's no rattles."

The Virginia-class submarines are the first built without the iconic periscope, with its lenses and mirrors, jutting up through the hull. Instead, video cameras connected to fiber optics are mounted on a scope known as a photonic mast.

Torpedoes can be fired at the touch of a computer screen. No longer is the submarine steered by a helmsman using a "push-and-pull" wheel that resembled those used on airline jets.

"Now it's a joystick, almost like you would have on a computer game," said Master Chief Larry Batten, who lives in Virginia Beach. The pilot and co-pilot do a job that once took four sailors.

Some things haven't changed.

Like most submarines, the living quarters on the

377-foot, three-level boat are tight for the crew of about 134. They turn sideways to pass in the hallways. The commanding officer's stateroom, considered the most luxurious accommodations, is the size of small walk-in closet.

But the Texas has space where it counts, sailors said. The torpedo room "is like a basketball court," said Cmdr. Jim Gray, who will take command after the boat is commissioned.

T he room is big enough to house 50 sleeping racks. That offers plenty of space for missions with Navy SEALs. The submarine's "lock-out" room - where SEAL s will depart on covert missions - is large enough for nine crew members and equipment, more than tripling the capacity of older submarines.

The Texas was built through a partnership between Northrop Grumman Newport News and General Dynamics Electric Boat. Construction took nearly a year longer than planned and cost almost 25 percent more than projected.

The Texas was a milestone for the Newport News shipyard, marking its first delivery of a submarine in a decade.

Gearing up for that production and working out technical difficulties of teaming up with a company that had been a rival attributed to the higher costs, Northrop Grumman officials have said.

Litherland said Friday that costs typically run higher on the first few boats of a new class, predicting the price will drop closer to $2 billion as work continues on the next eight under contract. He said taxpayers are getting their money's worth with the Texas.

The submarine, powered by a nuclear reactor that will not need refueling, has an estimated life span of 40 years.

"The time it's going to serve," he said, "it's going to turn out to be a bargain."

Reach Jon W. Glass at (757) 446-2318 or [email protected].

DennisDaMenace said:

T-50 looks like a very good AC. It would be good for the USA to close its ties with S. Korea. In todays world its good to keep your allies- Its only a few dollars for the USA
and it looks like a good AC. Look for USA politicians to screw this all up. They cant see further then their next election.

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Dennis, the US congress generally does not allow for the purchase of major defense assets outside of the United States. They have to please the multi-billion dollar US defense industry...Ain't gonna happen..

US Navy an US Coast Guard fight drug Smugglers

The USN & USCG have long fought the battle against illeagal drug smugglers.

Navy copters join Coast Guard in nabbing drug runners

By Otto Kreisher
COPLEY NEWS SERVICE
August 31, 2006

WASHINGTON – Navy helicopter crews are helping the Coast Guard halt smugglers who bring in drugs aboard “go-fast” boats.

Two San Diego-based SH-60 Seahawk crews are operating off the California-Mexico coast to counter a shift of drug smuggling to the Pacific. Two other crews started flying the more aggressive counterdrug missions in the Atlantic-Caribbean area in April.

The missions are a significant expansion of the counternarcotic support that Navy helicopters have provided for years.
To comply with laws barring the military from performing law enforcement duties, the Navy copters carry a Coast Guard gunner to fire warning and disabling shots to stop the drug runners' high-speed power boats.

The new Navy support for the Coast Guard anti-drug efforts is viewed enthusiastically by both services.

“The best way to counter the drug runners once the narcotics get out on the water is to increase your operational capabilities on the water,” said Lt. Cmdr. Rick Hamblet, acting operations officer for the Coast Guard's Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron, or HITRON, in Jacksonville, Fla. “That's the sole purpose for expanding the use of force to the U.S. Navy. It puts more resources in the theater.”

Navy spokesman Lt. Trey Brown agreed, predicting that “more illegal contraband will be seized before it reaches the shores of the United States and our partner nations in the region. And the traffickers will be prosecuted.

“The ability to disable suspect go-fast vessels will further reduce the viability of transporting drugs in this way,” he said.

The HITRON operations started as an experiment in 1998, when the Coast Guard found its ships were stopping less than 10 percent of the drugs heading toward the United States by sea because they often could not catch the go-fasts – sleek power boats capable of speeds twice as fast as the service's cutters.

In response, Coast Guard crews developed and tested tactics to use armed helicopters flying from cutters at sea to intercept suspected drug-running boats. If orders to stop were ignored, the door gunner would fire warning shots with a light machine gun and, if necessary, disable the craft's outboard engines with a precision-fired .50-caliber rifle. The stopped boat would be boarded by a Coast Guard team from the cutter.

During the test, the armed copters stopped five go-fasts, seizing 2,640 pounds of cocaine and 7,000 pounds of marijuana while arresting 17 smugglers. Based on those results, the test unit was expanded and designated HITRON Jacksonville. As of late July, HITRON crews had stopped 104 go-fasts, arrested 376 suspected smugglers and seized more than 173 tons of drugs that had a street value of $8.6 billion.

Now, with the HITRON crews being used increasingly for maritime homeland security missions, the Navy is sharing the armed interdiction duties, which are an extension of missions they have been performing for years, said Cmdr. Larry McGuire, readiness officer for Helicopter Anti-Submarine Light (HSL) squadrons at Commander Naval Air Forces Pacific headquarters on North Island Naval Air Station.

In the past, Navy helicopters could find the drug-running boats, but because of the law enforcement restrictions, McGuire said, “we could not do anything except detect and monitor. We couldn't fire a weapon of any kind.”

That changed when the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2004authorized Coast Guard gunners to fly in Navy helicopters and use weapons to stop the go-fasts.

With that authority, HITRON personnel trained the first Navy Seahawk crews, working with pilots from Naval Air Station Mayport, Fla. The Coast Guard-trained pilots then became instructors for other Navy crews at both Atlantic and Pacific training units.

Two Navy crews from Mayport deployed April 23 aboard the guided missile frigate John L. Hall, flying with Coast Guard enlisted personnel and officers as gunners and observer-controllers to conduct counter-drugs operations in the Caribbean and Western Atlantic.

But since the start of the HITRON operations, Coast Guard data indicate a rapid shift in the go-fast operations from the Atlantic-Caribbean sector to the Eastern Pacific.

To counter that, HITRON crews deployed to San Diego when intelligence indicated increased go-fast activity.

Rep. Bob Filner of San Diego, the top Democrat on the House Transportation Committee's Coast Guard panel, argued repeatedly for a full-time assignment of HITRON crews to San Diego, which the Coast Guard said it could not afford.

But now, the Navy is filling that requirement, with two crews from North Island-based HSL-43 currently deployed on the frigate Thach for counter-drug duties off the West Coast, said Cmdr. Andrew Miles, commander of Helicopter Maritime Strike Weapons School Pacific, which trained them.

The mission is different from the HSL crews' normal missions protecting Navy ships, Miles said.

“It's a very dynamic flight environment, at pretty low altitudes, chasing a go-fast vessel that's maneuvering,” he said.

But everyone is enthusiastic about it, Miles said. “It gives us an added capability to actually stop these guys; it's fun training as well,” he said.

“It's all enjoyable and useful flying,” said Lt. Cmdr. Shane Ahalt, who completed the training in late July in preparation for leading an HSL-45 detachment deploying on the San Diego-based frigate Rodney Davis in the fall.

The lower-flying missions are part of a different regimen than what the crews are used to, Ahalt said.

“The new capabilities are extremely helpful and it will be very apparent in a short time how effective it is,” he said.

“I think we're all pretty excited about it,” said Lt. Sharon Hacker, who will deploy with Ahalt. “It's much more effective than just letting the go-fast get away.”

USS Enterprise(CVN-65) aircraft destroy Taliban targets The 45 year old ship and air wing is still on the job.



USS Enterprise Aircraft Destroy Taliban Targets in Afghanistan
Story Number: NNS060905-09
Release Date: 9/5/2006 2:19:00 PM

From USS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- Aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 stationed aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) provided support to International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops on the ground as part of Operation Medusa in Afghanistan that began Sept. 3.

In concert with coalition air forces, F/A-18C Hornets from the “Sidewinders” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86, based in Beaufort, S.C., conducted precision strikes on a known Taliban position near Kandahar.

The “Sidewinders” joined other coalition and Enterprise-based aircraft that have conducted strikes in southern Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom while protecting ISAF ground troops. Other CVW-1 aircraft continue to fly command and control, surveillance and reconnaissance and aerial tanking missions.

“The Enterprise Strike Group team is prepared to effectively support ground forces in Operation Enduring Freedom by whatever means are possible,” said Capt. Mark Wralstad, commander, CVW-1. “Our air power, combined with the effectiveness of the ground forces, is proving to be a substantial force.”

Recently, Taliban extremists operating in the vicinity of Kandahar have employed new, more aggressive tactics, including suicide bombings on unprotected civilian targets. The air strikes underscore the success Enterprise-based aircraft have had working with ISAF troops on the ground since the strike group’s arrival in the theater Aug. 28.

“Enterprise Strike Group returned to this theater less than a week ago, but ready to accomplish any mission at any time,” said Rear Adm. Ray Spicer, commander, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group. “Whether we are protecting coalition troops on the ground, conducting planned strikes on known terrorist sites or providing support for humanitarian relief operations, we will continue to do our part to help set the conditions for security and stability so the Afghan people have the opportunity to determine their own future.”

Since their arrival in the northern Arabian Sea, Enterprise-based aircraft have focused their efforts on protecting ISAF ground forces near Kandahar.

In addition to the “Sidewinders” of VFA-86, other squadrons of CVW-1 include the “Checkmates” of VFA-211, the “Knighthawks” of VFA-136, the “Thunderbolts” of Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 251, the “Screwtops” of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123, the “Rooks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137, the “Maulers” of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 32, the “Rawhides” of Carrier Logistics Support (VRC) 40, and the “Dragonslayers” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 11.

The Enterprise Strike Group is currently operating in the northern Arabian Sea in support of maritime security operations and Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

For related news, visit the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Navy NewsStand page at .

USS Texas (SSN-775) comissioned in Galveston TX. First Lady Laura Bush was on hand to bring the Texas to life. Unlike some nations where you have to speculate what ship, aircraft or new equipment is being placed in service by looking at blurry photos the USA is glad to report it's new equipment to the world.

First Lady Laura Bush Welcomes USS Texas To The Fleet
Story Number: NNS060909-03
Release Date: 9/9/2006 8:39:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Barrie Barber, Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Public Affairs

First Lady Laura Bush, delivers her remarks and orders the ship to life, as the boats official sponsor, during the commissioning ceremony for the Virginia-class submarine USS Texas (SSN 775). The high-tech attack boat, with a crew of 134, sails into history as the first post-Cold War class of submarine designed for battlespace dominance against 21st century adversaries lurking in deep waters, near shore environments or on land. The 377-foot-long sub, with a weight of more than 7,800 tons submerged, has the capability to travel more than 25 knots and dive below 800 feet. It has the ability to carry torpedoes, mines, cruise missiles, and transport Naval Special Warfare SEALs (Sea, Air, Land) around the world.

GALVESTON, Texas (NNS) -- First lady Laura Bush ordered the Sailors of USS Texas (SSN 775) to bring the U.S. Navy’s newest nuclear-powered attack submarine to life in a Sept. 9 commissioning ceremony in the Lone Star State.

As the crew rushed aboard the submarine before 10,000 spectators at the Port of Galveston, two F/A-18s Hornets roared across the sky, followed by a formation of three World War II-era Navy warplanes.

The first lady, the boat’s sponsor and a native Texan, told the crew the country will depend on them to defend democracy and freedom in the era of the global war on terrorism.

“People of a great nation are trusting you to keep them safe,” she told the Sailors, adding the people of a great state are trusting them to carry the state’s -- and the submarine’s motto -- to the far corners of the globe: 'Don’t Mess With Texas.’”

“Every time the Texas sails, you can be justifiably proud that she carries a piece of each of you with her,” said Adm. Michael Mullen, Chief of Naval Operations, noting the state’s fighting tradition has led thousands of Texans today to serve in uniform worldwide.

The crew and submarine will build on the legacy of the two battleships and one cruiser that have borne the name Texas since the late 19th century, the first lady said. The second Texas (BB 35), for example, bombarded Iwo Jima and Okinawa during World War II.

“In the face of tremendous danger, they put aside their fears to take up the cause of freedom,” she said.

The Texas, she said, embodies the best ideals of its home state: endurance, courage, loyalty and stealth.

U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, a Galveston native, said her hometown has had strong historical ties to the Navy. The city was the homeport to the Texas navy that fought for independence from Mexico, she said, and is home to USS Seawolf (SS 197), a decommissioned World War II submarine.

“We are a state that loves our heritage and we have a deep respect for our nation’s military,” she said.

Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Benjamin A. McTee said Texas was his top choice of submarines he wanted to serve aboard because he’s a native Texan.

The crew, he said, is anxious to set out to sea.

“I’m ready to see it come to life,” he said. “It’s been a long road and (the Sailors are) ready to get out of the shipyard.”

The sub arrives in the fleet as the second Virginia-class vessel, and it will be homeported at Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn.

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, the ceremony’s principal speaker, said the warship stands as a testament to the nation’s unwavering commitment to stand up to extremism in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

“America has learned the hard way the best guarantor of peace is a strong military,” the Texas senator said. “Our nation builds weapons of war so we may live in peace.”

The high-tech attack boat, with a crew of 134, sails into history as the first post-Cold War class of submarine designed for battlespace dominance against 21st century adversaries lurking in deep waters, near shore environments or on land.

The 377-foot-long sub, with a weight of more than 7,800 tons submerged, has the capability to travel more than 25 knots and dive below 800 feet. It has the ability to carry torpedoes, mines, cruise missiles, and transport Naval Special Warfare SEALs (Sea, Air, Land) around the world.

“Texas is a very elegant ship, but it is very lethal,” said Mike Petters, president of Northrup Grumman Newport News in Newport News, Va., lead contractor that built the vessel in partnership with Groton, Conn.-based General Dynamics Electronic Boat.

Virginia-class submarines rank as the first to have an information systems technology department because of the heavy use of computers aboard the vessel. For example, photonic masts that don’t penetrate the surface have replaced the traditional periscope, and more than 60 computer and information screens fill the control room. The sub’s Multi-Mission Module will allow crews to use the latest technological equipment.

The nuclear-powered sub’s reactor plant will not require refueling during the boat’s planned lifespan.

The Navy has a planned class size of 30 vessels. More than 4,000 suppliers in 47 states and the District of Columbia produce millions of parts for the submarines.

The Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve-based Navy Reserve squadron, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 201 Hunters flew over the ceremony in two F/A-18 Hornets, while an F4F Corsair, F-6F Wildcat and SBD Dauntless soared overhead in 1940s warplanes from the Lone Star Flight Museum in Galveston.

For more news from around the fleet, visit