Free Republic

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...

NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to the pre-commissioning unit (PCU) of Navy’s first littoral combat ship, Freedom (LCS 1), are experiencing a new kind of cross training making them the Navy’s first hybrid Sailors. The crew, which began arriving in January, immediately started attending schools for job fields outside their designated rates. “A hybrid is a Sailor trained in a combination of several different rates,” said Command Master Chief (SW) Joel Nissen. “For example a fire controlman that also has the training of an electronics technician can function in either job as needed. I personally think there...

New London, CT (February 21, 2004) - A rally by College Republicans from Connecticut College in New London, CT was broken up Friday night by Campus Safety officers, who told them they had no permit. The students were rallying peacefully in front of the Olin Science Center, near the main entrance to the school. The students were showing their support for President Bush, and encouraging others to be excited about and supportive of the President. "No one has ever needed a permit before," said Bob French, a junior from New Hampshire and the Executive Director of the state-level College...