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Latest Submarine News

WASHINGTON - The US Navy christened its newest attack submarine, New Mexico on Dec. 13 during a ceremony at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Newport News, Va.

U.S. Rep. Heather A. Wilson of New Mexico delivered the ceremony’s principal address.

Designated SSN 779, New Mexico is named in recognition of the people of the ‘Land of Enchantment’. The submarine began construction under a unique teaming arrangement between Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding and General Dynamics Electric Boat in 2004. The battleship New Mexico (BB-40) (1918-1946), the only other ship named after the 47th state, earned six battle stars for World War II service, which included providing shore bombardment support for landings in the Gilbert and Marshall Islands, and at Guam, Tinian, Saipan, the Philippines and Okinawa.

Congrats to Cmdr. Mark A. Prokopius, a native of Seven Hills, Ohio, who is the prospective commanding officer.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch…

PEARL HARBOR - USS Ohio (SSGN 726), the first operational Trident guided-missile submarine, pulled into Naval Station Pearl Harbor, before returning to its homeport of Bangor, Wash., from its maiden deployment.

The submarine departed Naval Base Kitsap, Oct. 14, 2007, for its maiden deployment, which began a month ahead of schedule. Claiming many firsts, Ohio was the first Trident guided-missile submarine to complete an equator and prime meridian crossing, the first to achieve SEAL/diver dry deck shelter certification, the first to complete three highly-successful national tasking missions and the first to earn two Navy Expeditionary Medals.

Another memorable event during Ohio’s maiden deployment was the burial at sea of a veteran of World War II. Ohio crew member Machinist’s Mate 1st Class (SS) Jason Witty spread the ashes of his grandfather, Eugene Stanley Morgan, in the Philippine Sea, honoring Morgan’s request to be buried with his shipmates of the World War II cruiser USS Indianapolis (CA-35). Morgan was one of 316 survivors of the sinking of the cruiser on July 30, 1945.

Ohio, the first Trident submarine ever built, returned to the fleet February 2006 after a $250 million, year-long refueling and a $750 million, two-year conversion from a ballistic missile submarine. With this conversion, Ohio and the subsequent convert submarines provide the fleet with the ability to quickly embark and deploy to provide command and control functions for special operations forces and a large volume, (as in approx. 154 TLAMs), strike platform in its operating theater.

Go NAVY!

Submariner Art

While zipping along the Web The Bull ran across a bit of “artwork” that he had not seen since his days at the New London Sub Base in Groton, CT. (Make you date late 1980.) As I recall, it was posted in several locations on base from the classroom cork-board, to the head. I felt the need to share it with you, my Dear Readers.

$Looking in the puke\'s lair.$

Ahh! Memories!

Bull, out!

Independence in View

At long last the U.S. Navy’s latest ship has come into view in the Mobile River. It took hours for the ship to be floated after hours of delays – a lot like the entire LCS project. Even more like the LCS project as a whole, the launching was massively expensive. The cost of moving the Independence from shed to water is about $1 million. That’s right, $1,000,000.00 just to get this ship wet. You see, they did so very gently, lowering the ship inch-by-inch into the river. The Bull has to seriously wonder why. Why not side-launch the Independence just like so many hundreds of ships before her? If a side-launch is somehow a danger to this aluminum-hulled vessel, do we really want our sons and daughters serving on her in a time of war?

The aluminum-hulled Independence, or LCS-2, is a 417-foot vessel that boasts an unusual trimaran design, essentially a long, slender monohull flanked by a pair of smaller side hulls. Austal officials said the design offers the stability to support an “enormous” flight deck capable of supporting the Navy’s largest helicopter, the H-53, and provides excellent seakeeping, the ability to hold steady in rough seas, at speeds of more than 40 knots. Austal also says that one of the key advantages of a trimaran design is that it offers stability that allows helicopters to land and passengers to avoid seasickness, even in very high seas. The Bull says that time will tell.

The Independence will be docked alongside Austal, visible from Cooper Riverside Park, as it undergoes activation and testing. Other milestones christening, crew arrival and delivery are scheduled to take place later this year.

For further reading on the Independence read here.

Bull, out.

The Return of the U.S. 4th Fleet!

Welcome news from Chief of Naval Operations!

MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) – Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead announced today the reestablishment of U.S. 4th Fleet and assigned Rear Adm. Joseph D. Kernan, currently serving as Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command, as its first commander.

U.S. 4th Fleet will be responsible for U.S. Navy ships, aircraft and submarines operating in the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) area of focus, which encompasses the Caribbean, and Central and South America and the surrounding waters.

Located in Mayport, Fla., and dual-hatted with Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (COMUSNAVSO), U.S. 4th Fleet reestablishment addresses the increased role of maritime forces in the SOUTHCOM area of focus, and demonstrates U.S. commitment to regional partners.

“Reconstituting the Fourth Fleet recognizes the immense importance of maritime security in the southern part of the Western Hemisphere, and sends a strong signal to all the civil and military maritime services in Central and Latin America,” said Roughead. “Aligning the Fourth Fleet along with our other numbered fleets and providing the capabilities and personnel are a logical execution of our new Maritime Strategy.”

U.S. 4th Fleet was original established in 1943 as one of the original numbered fleets, and was given a specific mission. During World War II, the U.S. needed a command in charge of protecting against raiders, blockade runners and enemy submarines in the South Atlantic. U.S. 4th Fleet was disestablished in 1950 when U.S. 2nd Fleet took over its responsibilities.

Initially, the new 4th Fleet will be headquartered with COMUSNAVSO and take advantage of the existing infrastructure, communications support and personnel already in place in Mayport. As a result, U.S. 4th Fleet will not involve an increase in forces assigned in Mayport.

“This is a significant change and presents us the opportunity to garner the right resources for the missions we run for Southern Command,” said Rear Adm. James W. Stevenson Jr., Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO). “As a numbered fleet, we will be in a better position to ensure the Combatant Commander has the right assets available when needed.”

U.S. 4th Fleet will retain responsibility as COMUSNAVSO, the Navy component command for SOUTHCOM. Its mission is to direct U.S. naval forces operating in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions and interact with partner nation navies within the maritime environment. Various operations include counter-illicit trafficking, Theater Security Cooperation, military-to-military interaction and bilateral and multinational training.

With growing tensions in South America, the never-ending Mexican influx, and general World-wide weirdness, The Bull welcomes the return of the U.S. 4th Fleet.

For more information from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command visit www.cusns.navy.mil.

For more information from U.S. Southern Command visit www.southcom.mil.

Fair Winds and Following Seas!

Bull, out!

Fair Winds and a Following Sea to the USS Mobile Bay!

I’m in a Navy mood tonight so, The Bull wishes ‘Fair Winds and a Following Sea’ to the brave crew of the cruiser USS Mobile Bay, (CG-53)!

May the Gods smile upon the waters and speed you to Victory!

Many Thanks for a job well done.

Bull, out!

Is Our Navy Being Sunk By The Gov’t?

It seems, as I read the press releases, that our very own Government is sinking our beloved Navy – our first line of defense – right here at home in the shipyards.

Oh, it isn’t all the Government’s fault. The contractors won’t even attempt to keep cost down to a reasonable level, and the American public never lays down the law when it comes to graft in Congress or wasteful spending.

However, the major blame falls squarely on the Government and the idiots that we have running he show – in both political parties!

Let’s talk about the freshly killed Littoral Combat Ship Program, flight ‘0′. Over a billion, (yes, BILLION), dollars spent and what do we, the tax payers, have to show for it? We’ve got two hulls. One, (a mono-hull design), is named ‘Freedom’ and she has a steel hull with an aluminum superstructure. The second is a trimaran hull design named ‘Independence’ and is made entirely out of aluminum, from the keel up.

A fire damaging the ‘Freedom’ during outfitting of the vessel. The Freedom, which was about 80% completed, sustained significant damage. She’s damaged goods and has yet to be completely outfitted or assigned.

‘Independence’ is still not even that far along.

Meanwhile, the ‘Powers-That-Be’ in the Pentagon have tinkered and changed the plans so much and so often that the contractors are left scratching their heads and hitting buttons on the pricing calculators. As of 1 November 2007 ‘Stop Work’ orders are issued on LCS-3 and the planned LCS-4.

Well, we’ve got two. But two what?

The LCS program was flawed from the start. These ships will, if ever completed, be able to turn a fair speed and travel into extremely shallow water – but only to run and hide. They certainly will not be able to fight! Heck, the US Navy brass themselves say that the Littoral Combat Ships compare unfavorably to many similarly sized vessels of countries such as Sweden’s ultra-stealthy Visby Class, the new Franco-Italian FREMM Class, Israel’s Sa’ar 5 Eilat Class, or even Britain’s much older Type 23/Duke Class.

Quoting from the Defense Department Daily:

LCS ships will carry a very light armament set for a major naval vessel: one 57-mm Mk 110 naval gun system; RIM-116 SeaRAM short range defensive missiles; up to 4Ã—15-missile launchers for light short-range NETFIRES missiles, each with striking power equal to a 155mm shell; 30mm cannons that would replace NetFires launchers 1-for-1 if installed; 12.7mm machine guns; plus any missiles or 70mm rockets carried by its accompanying helicopters (up to 2 H-60 slots or up to 4 MQ-8B Fire Scout UAV slots). Present LCS designs don’t even carry torpedo tubes, or vertical-launch systems (VLS) that could accommodate present and future attack and/or defensive missiles.

Even the corvette-sized Danish Flyvefisken Class, whose swappable modules helped pave the way for the LCS idea, has a Mk 48 vertical launch system and can carry Harpoon anti-ship missiles and/or longer-range air defense missiles.

Frigates, huh? With no torpedos?

All that can really be said for these things is that they can deliver two SH-60 helicopters each rather quickly – provided they actually have the helicopters!

So, these ‘do nothing well’ ships are costing us around $450,000,000.00 each. Add $80,000,000.00 times three for each ship to cover the multi-mission modules, plus the cost of two choppers each. And they are only ‘good’ in shallow water and big river fights – supposedly.

What will that do to future surface Navy plans for upgraded destroyers, (DD (X)), and the much-needed cruisers, (CG (X))?

The hell if The Bull knows! Here is what Vice-Admiral Mustin (ret.) and Vice-Admiral Katz (ret.) said in a 2003 USNI Proceedings article:

“Because the Navy has invested heavily in land-attack capabilities such as the Advanced Gun System and land-attack missiles in DD (X), there is no requirement for [the Littoral Combat Ship] to have this capability. Similarly, LCS does not require an antiair capability beyond self-defense because DD (X) and CG (X) will provide area air defense. Thus, if either DD (X) or CG (X) does not occur in the numbers required and on time, the Navy will face two options: leave LCS as is, and accept the risk inherent in employment of this ship in a threat environment beyond what it can handle (which is what it did with the FFG-7); or “grow” LCS to give it the necessary capabilities that originally were intended to reside off board in DD (X) and CG (X). Neither option is acceptable.”

I don’t know about you, Dear Reader, but it sounds to me like we need some new minds in that funny-shaped building up there because they apparently have their collective heads too far up their collective asses to see the light any more.

Meanwhile the Chinese continue to build their navy and will soon eclipse ours. Then there goes the Pacific. Let’s not forget ol’ Putin over in Russia either! The Atlantic could again become contested waters at the drop of a hat.

Then where will we be? Think about it.

Bull, out.

Tomcat Troubles

The ‘Tomcats’ simply will not stay out of the news! This from Fox News…

SALT LAKE CITY â€??? Two Utah men are accused of trying to illegally export surplus pieces of F-14 fighter jets, a plane that is flown only in Iran.

Abraham Trujillo, 61, and David Waye, 22, both of Ogden, are alleged to have tried exporting the parts to Canada, but the charges don’t specify how they supposedly got the parts and don’t list all buyers.

Federal agents placed online orders, then intercepted the goods before they made it out of the country, the charges said.

Trujillo and Waye were charged Friday with three counts each of attempting to export a defense article without a license. Telephone listings could not be found for the men.

Iran, trying to maintain its F-14s, is aggressively seeking components from the retired U.S. Tomcat fleet. Members of Congress have expressed concerns about the Department of Defense selling surplus F-14 parts because they’re worried they could wind up in Iranian aircraft.

The U.S. sold the F-14 to Iran in the 1970s when it was under the rule of the Western-friendly shah. In 1979, the shah was deposed, and the U.S. eventually banned the sale of military equipment to Iran.

The U.S. attorney’s office says federal immigration agents discovered a Web site with listings of F-14 parts offered by Trujillo and his Ogden business, NSN Specialists. Over several months in 2006 and 2007, agents bought cable assemblies and other F-14 and F-4 jet items from Trujillo.

The men will receive a summons to appear before a federal magistrate. Penalties can carry 10 years in prison and a $1 million fine per count.

It was a sad day for The Bull when the F-14 Tomcat took to the skies for the last time. It wasn’t that they were obsolete. Hell no! To this day the Tomcat could rule the sky! The reasoning was the huge cost of keeping the aging airframes flying and the beatings they took with carrier operations didn’t help much.

Of course the Iranians want those parts!

Folks, 10 years in prison and/or a $1 Million fine is not enough! The penalty for blatant treason is death, preferably by firing squad! Damn it! It is time to put the teeth back into National Defense!

Shoot the bastards!

Bull, out!

On Eternal Patrol: USS Grunion (SS-216)

The mysterious loss of a fine boat is now nearly solved. Story from Fox News. Photos from the Grunion web page.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska â€??? The mangled remains of a vessel found in the Bering Sea are likely those of a World War II submarine that disappeared with a crew of 70 off the Aleutian Island of Kiska.

The discovery of the USS Grunion (SS-216), (A Gato class boat, built at Electric Boat – Groton, CT and launched 22 Dec 1941. ~Bull), on Wednesday night culminates a five-year search led by the sons of its commander, Mannert Abele, and may finally shine a light on the mysterious last moments of the doomed vessel.

“Obviously, this is a very big thing,” the oldest son, Bruce Abele, said Thursday from his home inNewton, Mass. “I told my wife about it when she was still in bed and she practically went up to the ceiling.”

A remotely operated vehicle snapped pictures and captured three hours of video footage of Grunion on a rocky underwater slope north of the volcanic island, according to another brother, John Abele, who was in Kiska Harbor with the search team on Thursday. The submarine lies 1,000 feet below the surface and had been crushed by water pressure, said Abele. He is director and co-founder of the medical equipment company Boston Scientific Corp. and the youngest of the three brothers.

“The most surprising thing was the damage,” he said. “It was much more than we or anyone else imagined. Initially it was very hard to recognize as a ship.” The hull had imploded so severely that the interior, including bunks and a dive wheel, were clearly visible, Abele said. No human remains were found.

The search team hired by the Abeles, Deep Sea Systems International, said no identifying markings or lettering could be seen, however, the location and appearance of the vessel indicate it is the missing sub. “There’s a 95 percent chance that this is the Grunion and a less than five percent chance that it’s not,” said Christopher J. Nicholson, general manager of the Cataumet, Mass.-based company. “The fact that they actually found this in an expanse of ocean is really pretty spectacular.”

The Grunion had a propeller guard, which was rare in subs of the day, Abele said. The vessel discovered yesterday also had the fence, which prevented docking lines from getting caught in the propeller.

The Grunion patrolled Alaska’s Aleutian Islands during the early months of World War II. Her last official radio message to the submarine base at Dutch Harbor came on July 30, 1942 and described heavy enemy activity at the Japanese seaplane base at Kiska Harbor.

Earlier that month, the USS Grunion had sunk two Japanese submarine chasers and heavily damaged a third near Kiska, one of two islands in the far west Aleutians captured by the Japanese. Until a few years ago, the clues to the Grunion’s disappearance were too fragmented to justify a search. After receiving more information from a model ship builder in Japan, the Abeles launched an initial expedition to Kiska in August 2006. Sonar images of a sub-shaped silhouette prompted a second journey this month.

As news of the search spread, several relatives of the Grunion’s crew banded together to locate others with ties to the lost men. To date, the relatives of 69 men are following the progress of the search, said Mary Bentz of Bethesda, Md., whose uncle died on the Grunion.

Bentz said the news is a relief after decades of not knowing what happened. Her father’s youngest brother, Carmine Anthony Parziale, of Weedville, Penn., was in his early 20s when he served as a torpedoman third class on Grunion. “I know when my dad would talk about him, his eyes would well up with tears,” said Bentz. “I was relieved to know that this is finally over, that now we can say, two and three generations later, that we know what happened.”

A forensic engineer and other experts will use the footage to piece together the Grunion’s final hours and figure out why it sank. The search crew of 17 plans to spend several more days looking for sunken Japanese ships in the area. “Actually seeing the burial site was touching and in a way rewarding,” John Abele said. “It provides a closing and hopefully an answer to the unknown.”

Further info on the search for the USS Grunion can be found at their website located HERE.

I think it is safe for The Bull to speak here for submariners everywhere in thanking the families and friends of the USS Grunion for the efforts in locating the final resting place of that fine boat and her brave crew now on Eternal Patrol.

The Crew of USS Grunion (SS-216):
Abele, M. L. LCDR

Alexander, F. E. SM3
Allen, D. E. SM3

Arvan, H. J. Matt2
Banes, P. E. CMOMM
Bedard, L. J. I. CMOMM
Blinston, W. H. RM3
Bonadies, N. R. F2
Boo, R. F. RM3
Bouvia, C. L. MM1
Caldwell, G. E. CEM
Carroll, R. H. S2
Clift, J. S. TM2
Collins, M. F. F2
Cooksey, L. D. MOMM1
Cullinane, D. MM1
Cuthbertson, W. H., Jr. ENS
Deaton, L. D. S2
DeStoop, A. E. CTM
Devaney, W. P., Jr. S2
Dighton, S. R., Jr. LTJG
Doell, L. H., Jr. RM2
Franck, L. H. S1
Graham, M. D. CTM
Hall, K. E. S2
Hellensmith, E. G. EM3
Henderson, H. B. MOMM2
Hutchinson, C. R. TM3
Kennedy, S. J., Jr. MOMM2
Knowles, E. E., Jr. S2
Kockler, L. R. TM1
Kornahrens, W. G. LT
Ledford, M. J. CY
Lehman, W. W. EM1
Loe, S. A. MOMM2
Lunsford, S., Jr. EM2
Lyon, J. W. F1
Martin, C. R. CMOMM
Martin, T. E. EM1
Mathison, R. EM1
McCutcheon, R. G. TM3
McMahon, J. M. LT
Miller, E. C. F2
Myers, D. O. F1
Nave, F. T. MOMM2
Newcomb, A. G. RM1
Nobles, J. W. MOMM1
Pancoast, J. E. MOMM2
Parziale, C. A. TM3
Paul, C., Jr. MATT2
Pickel, B. J. S1
Post, A. C. S2
Randall, W. H. RM2
Ryan, L., Jr. S2
Sanders, H. A. MOMM1
Schumann, E. T. CQM
Sullivan, P. P. PHM1
Surofchek, S. SC1
Swartwood, D. N. S2
Templeton, S. A. GM1
Thomas, M. W. LT
Traviss, B. A. S2
Ullmann, A. S1
VanWoggelum, M. F. F3
Walter, M. H. F3
Webster, R. E. EM2
Welch, D. F. FC2
Wells, J. H. TM2
Wilson, J. E., Jr. SC3
Youngman, R. J. F2

May the Gods grant you Peace at last.

Bull, out.

Anchors Aweigh, Baby Girl!

Just got a phone call from The Bull’s nineteen year old daughter. It appears that I may have managed to rear my children properly after all…

Said daughter has decided to step up to the plate and do her part to defend our great Nation. Moreover, like many others in our family Kelli is joining the United States Navy!

She is meeting with her recruiter today with a planned entry date of next Wednesday. I’ll post updates as they come in…

One very proud Papa Bull, out!

Captain’s Log: USS Jimmy Carter (SSN-23)

Ok, I know it is old. Over two years old in fact. It’s still funny, though, and worth the read. In a time when we all just wish this complete loser of a President keeps sticking his peanut-grubbing nose where it doesn’t belong, (i.e.: Anywhere remotely resembling foreign affairs.), nothing could be more appropriate. Thanks, Frank J. We really needed this!

Go to IMAO to read the entire post, but here’s an excerpt:

…being all that separates us from the sea.

I could never admit to the crew the fear I have, though. Sure, they all joke about how our submarine was hacked together by a group of volunteers on a weekend and how, with our nuclear power, we won’t have to wait in gas lines, but most are too young to really remember the unending horror that was the Carter presidency. Still, the crew all seems vaguely at unease, as if they’re in a… well… malaise.

It’s not like being named after that man is the mark of death, but…

* * * *

…the wound stings, but it’s only superficial. I have no idea how many rabbits are hiding aboard this vessel, how they got here, and why they are attacking everyone in site. The crew is spooked. They’re all taking it as a bad omen, just like how Ensign Chavez nearly choked to death on a peanut. Still, we…

* * * *

When you read the post in its entirety, please do NOT forget to read the comments. Let me show you a reason why…

Hey, I hear the ship’s first port of call will be in Iran. They stay there for 400+ days before the USS Ronald Reagan comes in and leads them home…

Too funny, but sadly, too true.

Bull, out!

What’s Going On In MY Navy?

The Bull presents to you the following statements released by the United States Navy:

May 10: Vice Adm. Mark Fitzgerald, Director Navy Staff, relieved Cmdr. Thomas C. Graves, Commanding Officer USS Constitution, due to a loss of trust and confidence in his ability to command.

May 8: Capt. Adam Levitt, Commodore, Destroyer Squadron (CDS) 23, relieved Cmdr. Jeffrey P. Menne, commanding officer, USS Higgins (DDG 76), due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command.

May 16, 2007: Commodore of Submarine Squadron 11, Capt. Paul N. Jaenichen, relieved the commanding officer of USS Helena (SSN 725), Cmdr. William A. Schwalm, due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command.

All of the above in one month – plus there was a squadron commander relieved earlier this year. What the hell is going on? Always the same “due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command” horsecrap with no further explanation. Granted, it might not really be The Bull’s business, but if you don’t want folks asking questions then don’t post these things at all. Am I right? Seems like one helluva lot of shuffling CO’s out with career-ending moves. I hope like hell these are not politically motivated in any way.

What brought about this midnight tirade was reading about the commander of Helena and the commander of Arleigh Burke in the same email from Military.com. At first the Arleigh Burke looked just like the others, then I noticed that the Navy had tacked on a second paragraph. Here’s the release:

Rear Adm. Dan Holloway, Commander, Carrier Strike Group 12, relieved Cmdr. E.J. McClure, of command of the guided missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) due to a loss of confidence in her ability to command.

Holloway temporarily reassigned McClure to commander, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic in Norfolk, pending the final results of an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the May 15 grounding of Arleigh Burke.

“…grounding of Arleigh Burke.”

Oh! Ok. The Navy has good reason on this one. No, I will not make any snide remarks about skimmer-pukes or women drivers either! I’m tempted, but there was that incident with the USS San Francisco (SSN-711) in January 2005…

Bull, out.

REAL Power in the Persian Gulf

A joint carrier strike group led by the USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) and USS Nimitz (CVN-68) were joined by the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6) and its own strike group, which includes landing ships carrying members of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. That adds up to some 17,000 sailors and Marines, folks.

The nine U.S. warships passed through the narrow Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday. What were not counted, (and almost never are), were the attack submarines attached to the strike groups. Merchant ships passing through the busy strait carry two-fifths of the world’s oil exports and are at greatest risk from Iranian diesel-electric, Soviet-built submarines operating in that area. The US Navy nuclear powered attack subs are the best answer to that threat.

As of today those Merchant ships are feeling far more protected.

Bull, out.

USS Hawaii (SSN 776) Commissioned

The following from Military.com…

Navy Commissions USS Hawaii

Navy News | PO1 Ira J. Elinson | May 07, 2007
Groton, CT – Under clear blue New England skies, the Navyâ€™s newest attack submarine, USS Hawaii (SSN 776) was commissioned May 5 on the Thames River at Naval Submarine Base New London, in Groton, Conn.

The ceremony, complete with hula dancers, war canoes, and leis, brought North Shore flavor to the shores of New England. Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle, sponsor of Hawaii, spoke the words that the Navy, and especially the crew, had waited to hear since its christening in June 2006. In a time-honored Navy tradition, Lingle directed, â€œMan our ship and bring her to life!â€??

The third submarine of the Virginia class, SSN 776 recognizes the tremendous support the Navy has enjoyed from the people of the Aloha State and honors the rich heritage of submarines in the Pacific theater.

â€œMost people, when they hear the word Hawaii, they immediately conjure up pictures of beautiful beaches, lovely dancers and moonlit nights,â€?? said Hawaii Sen. Daniel K. Inouye. â€œHawaii is all that and more: Our sons and daughters have participated in every war since we became part of the United States.â€??

â€œWhile most of the Western Pacific is, for the most part free, ships like Hawaii and the men who serve on her will help ensure that freedom for future generations,â€?? said Adm. Gary Roughead, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, as he delivered the ceremonyâ€™s principal address.

Hawaii has improved stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and special warfare enhancements that will enable it to meet the Navyâ€™s multi-mission requirements. Hawaiiâ€™s capabilities include: anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, special forces delivery and support, and covert mine warfare. In addition to these mission areas, Hawaii will be able to strike targets ashore with precision Tomahawk cruise missiles and conduct covert long-term surveillance of land areas, coastal waters or other maritime forces. With enhanced communications connectivity, the submarine also will provide unique, fully-integrated strike group and joint task force support.

“People who tour the ship speak of the technology, computer displays and fiber optics,â€?? said Lingle, â€œbut it is the spirit of its Sailors that makes this ship great.â€??

Capt. David A. Solms, a native of Colorado Springs, Colo., is the shipâ€™s commanding officer, leading a crew of approximately 134 officers and enlisted personnel.

The 7,800-ton Hawaii was built by the shipbuilder team of General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, Conn., and Northrop Grumman Newport News, Va. The submarine is 377 feet in length, has a beam of 34 feet, and can operate at more than 25 knots submerged. Hawaii is designed with a reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship â€“ reducing lifecycle costs while increasing underway time.

Hawaii will complete a post-commissioning shakedown period and continue readying for its first deployment from Naval Submarine Base New London. The ship will eventually be homeported in Hawaii in 2009.

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