Posted on 05/19/2006 4:38:35 PM PDT by SandRat
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- The second Virginia-class submarine, PCU Texas (SSN 775), returned to Newport News after successfully conducting alpha sea trials, May 17.
The sea trials were conducted to ensure all systems are functioning properly prior to the commissioning of the boat. The objective is to run all operating systems to the fullest extent of their capabilities.
We operated her through the full range of her maneuvering, diving and speed capabilities," said Capt. John J. Litherland, Texas prospective commanding officer. "She performed exactly as she is supposed to no surprises. That is what we were looking for on these initial sea trials.
Texas commissoning will bring new technologies to the fleet and an overall benefit to the Navy.
The Texas brings some amazing new capabilities to the Navy, said Litherland, revolutionary new techniques in quieting that would make her one of the quietest submarines in the oceans.
The process of introducing a new ship to the fleet faces many obstacles along the way.
Its a very long process building a new submarine," Litherland said. "In the Texas case, many of my crew have been here over four years preparing to bring the Texas to the fleet. With many of the new technologies come challenges, but we worked through all those and in the end succeeded.
Training is a crucial part of making the sea trials a success.
Taking a ship to sea for the first time is tough, but the crews training was evident," Adm. Kirkland H. Donald, director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion said. "They did a remarkable job, and I was very proud to be with them for the trials. We are a step closer to delivering a great ship to the fleet.
For more news from around the fleet, visit www.navy.mil.
Blow Main Ballast! - Blow Main Ballast AYE!
15 degrees up planes! - 15 degrees up planes AYE!
Now let's wait for the dolphins and whales to wash ashore.
Bring the boats! The harvest has come in!
I have a hunch you don't mess with this Texas !!
So what kind of mission does this boat have? Its not a boomer is it? Attack sub? ASW?
Attack Sub.
Virginia-class submarines will be able to attack targets ashore with highly accurate Tomahawk cruise missiles and conduct covert long-term surveillance of land areas, littoral waters or other naval forces. Other missions include anti-submarine and anti- ship warfare, special forces delivery and support, and mine delivery and minefield mapping. With enhanced communications connectivity, these submarines will also provide important battle group and joint force support, with full integration into carrier battle group operations. The Virginia-class of attack submarines surpasses the performance of any current or projected threat submarine, ensuring U.S. undersea dominance well into the next century. Information on this page came from the U.S. Navy web site: http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/factfile/ships/ship-ssn.html
Boats of her class are more for multi mission rather than single tasks. There is heavy emphasis on special forces and infiltration.
ping
USS Texas (BB 35)
I wonder how much of her technology has been stolen by the Chi-Coms and being used on their subs?
I'll bite. What does PCU stand for. 'Politically Correct U-boat'?
Pre-1925 picture.
Pre Commissioning Unit
Thanks for the info.
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