From Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Commander, Submarine Force (COMSUBFOR) announced the Virginia-class submarine USS New Hampshire (SSN 778) and the Seawolf-class submarine USS Connecticut (SSN 22) have commenced Ice Exercise 2011 (ICEX-2011) in the Arctic Ocean, March 15.
USS New Hampshire is home ported in Groton, Conn., and commanded by Cmdr. John McGunnigle, while USS Connecticut is home ported in Bremerton, Wash., and commanded by Cmdr. Michael Varney.
The two submarines will conduct testing on submarine operations in Arctic waters.
"It is critical that we continue to operate and train today's submarines in the challenging Arctic environment," said Capt. Rhett Jaehn, ice camp officer-in-tactical-command and deputy director of operations at COMSUBFOR. "ICEX 2011 is the latest in a series of Arctic exercises, which are key to ensuring our submarines are trained and ready to support U.S. interests in this region."
The overall exercise has been planned and will be coordinated by the Navy's Arctic Submarine Laboratory located aboard Naval Base Point Loma San Diego. A temporary tracking range will be built into the ice flow at the Applied Physics Laboratory Ice Station (APLIS) North of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. The camp consists of a small village, constructed and operated especially for ICEX, by the University of Washington's Applied Physics Laboratory, and members of the U.S., Canadian, and British navies.
U.S. submarines must continue to train in the Arctic environment to refine and validate procedures and required equipment, as the Arctic Ocean serves as a route for submarines to transit between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The U.S. Submarine Force conducts these exercises in the Arctic in order to assure continued access to this unique region.
Submarines have conducted under-ice operations in the Arctic regions in support of inter-fleet transit, training, cooperative allied engagements and operations for more than 50 years. USS Nautilus (SSN 571) made the first transit in 1958.
USS Skate (SSN 578) was the first U.S. submarine to surface through arctic ice at the North Pole in March 1959. Since those events, the U.S. Submarine Force has completed more than 25 Arctic exercises at a pace of one ice camp every two years. Three of these have been done in conjunction with allied submarines.
Showing posts with label USS New Hampshire SSN-778. Show all posts
Showing posts with label USS New Hampshire SSN-778. Show all posts
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Thursday, July 23, 2009
USS New Hampshire Returns from Maiden Deployment
By Lt. Patrick Evans, Commander Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs
GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS New Hampshire (SSN 778) returned July 22 to Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., after her first deployment.
New Hampshire was the first Virginia-class submarine to deploy in support of operations in the U.S. European Command Area of Responsibility.
"It was a marvelous performance by the entire crew. It was really rewarding. It's rewarding to be back and see our families though. We're happy to be here," said Cmdr. Michael Stevens, New Hampshire's commanding officer.
During her maiden deployment, New Hampshire, the fifth submarine of the Virginia-class, made port calls in France, Spain and Norway. While in Norway, New Hampshire's crew participated in the weeklong Norwegian Submarine Centennial celebration with submariners from that Norway, Germany, Russia and the United Kingdom. During the celebration, the crew marched through downtown Bergen, Norway, to help the country celebrate its 100th submarine birthday.
"We have 134 crew members," said Stevens. "For about 80 percent, it was their first deployment, and probably for more than that, it was their first time in a foreign country. So it was a lot of fun for them. They had a good time."
Though the crew may have had a good time, they said it is better to be home.
"I'm looking forward to relaxing and sleeping in, but I know that ain't gonna happen," said Machinist's Mate 1st Class Adam LaMar, as he held his 10-month-old daughter, Indy, who was chosen to receive the traditional "first hug" upon arrival.
For many family members, the crew's homecoming was an emotional occasion.
"It is a whirlwind of emotions. Words can't really describe the feeling," said Candice Revitzer, wife of Ensign Jason Revitzer, New Hampshire's supply officer. "It's very hard to be apart from each other, but if anything, it really teaches you how strong your love is."
The Revitzer couple was chosen to execute the traditional "first kiss" upon the ship's return home.
New Hampshire was launched Feb. 21, 2008 and christened four months later June 21, 2008 in Groton, eight months ahead of schedule and $54 million under budget. She finished initial sea trials, was delivered to the Navy Aug. 28, 2008 and was then commissioned at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine, Oct. 25, 2008.
The name New Hampshire was awarded to the submarine after a letter writing campaign by third graders from Garrison Elementary School in Dover, New Hampshire, to members of Congress, the state governor and the secretary of the Navy.
Monday, October 27, 2008
USS New Hampshire Joins Fleet
By Lt. Jennifer Zeldis, Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic
The Virginia-class attack submarine USS New Hampshire (SSN 778) is commissioned at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. More than 3,500 people attended the ceremony at the Navy's first shipyard. New Hampshire is the fifth Virginia-class submarine, the first major U.S. Navy combatant vessel class designed with the post-Cold War security environment in mind. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Fernando Allen/Released)
KITTERY, Maine (NNS) -- USS New Hampshire (SSN 778), the Navy's newest nuclear-powered attack submarine and the fifth of the Virginia-class, was brought to life Oct. 25 during a commissioning ceremony at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
Cheryl McGuinness served as the ship's sponsor, and gave the order to man the ship.
"Officers and crew of the USS New Hampshire, come aboard our ship, and bring her to life," she said.
McGuinness is the widow of Lt. Cmdr. Thomas McGuinness, a veteran Navy pilot and a co-pilot on American Airlines Flight 11 that was flown into the North Tower of the World Trade Center by terrorists Sept. 11, 2001.
"These Sailors are standing up for our country, standing up for freedom and standing up for our protection." said McGuiness.
"It should be comforting to know that their diligence allows all of us to truly rest knowing that they are keeping watch and that they are listening for anything that could threaten freedom."
More than 3,500 guests, including the crew's family and friends, submarine veterans and Portsmouth shipyard workers, attended the ceremony welcoming the submarine as the fourth naval vessel to be named New Hampshire. Approximately 1,000 additional residents of Portsmouth watched the ceremony on closed circuit television in Portsmouth's Prescott Park, across the Piscataqua River, within sight of the ceremony at PNS.
Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH) served as the principal speaker during the ceremony. He praised the men of USS New Hampshire, the shipyard workers, and paid special tribute to the family members.
"Remember, there are families behind all these men serving on this ship," Gregg told the audience. "Those families sacrifice too. They have their Sailors away for months on end. Their courage, energy, vitality and vigor allow them to go on with their lives so that those Sailors can do their job of defending our nation."
In addition to all the dignitaries present was a special group of school children. Students from Garrison Elementary School in Dover, N.H., started a letter-writing campaign in 2004, requesting the submarine bear the name of their state.
New Hampshire arrived at PNS Oct. 19 and was warmly greeted by the community. The crew was treated to many events, including a lobster bake and several receptions in the local area. Several crewmembers also received tickets to watch the National Football League's New England Patriots take on the St. Louis Rams Oct. 26.
"To have the ship's motto the same as the state's motto of 'Life Free Or Die' is especially fitting," said Cmdr. Michael Stevens, USS New Hampshire commanding officer.
"The New Hampshire and her crew will forge a new legacy that will be coupled together with the stories and achievements of many great New Hampshire notables who helped shape the history of the nation and this great state," said Adm. Kirkland Donald, director of Naval Reactors.
This is the first time in 12 years that two submarines of the same class have been commissioned in the same year. USS North Carolina (SSN 777) was commissioned in May.
Cost-reduction initiatives resulted in USS New Hampshire being delivered eight months early and $54 million under budget. Some say this is just one of the reasons why the Virginia class of submarines is becoming a benchmark for future classes of naval ships.
Through their unique capabilities of stealth and endurance, Virginia-class submarines directly enable the Maritime Strategy core capabilities of forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection and maritime security. Equally adept at operating in the world's shallow littoral regions and deep waters, New Hampshire will significantly contribute to the mission areas of anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; special operations forces; strike; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare.
The Virginia-class attack submarine USS New Hampshire (SSN 778) is commissioned at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. More than 3,500 people attended the ceremony at the Navy's first shipyard. New Hampshire is the fifth Virginia-class submarine, the first major U.S. Navy combatant vessel class designed with the post-Cold War security environment in mind. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Fernando Allen/Released)KITTERY, Maine (NNS) -- USS New Hampshire (SSN 778), the Navy's newest nuclear-powered attack submarine and the fifth of the Virginia-class, was brought to life Oct. 25 during a commissioning ceremony at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
Cheryl McGuinness served as the ship's sponsor, and gave the order to man the ship.
"Officers and crew of the USS New Hampshire, come aboard our ship, and bring her to life," she said.
McGuinness is the widow of Lt. Cmdr. Thomas McGuinness, a veteran Navy pilot and a co-pilot on American Airlines Flight 11 that was flown into the North Tower of the World Trade Center by terrorists Sept. 11, 2001.
"These Sailors are standing up for our country, standing up for freedom and standing up for our protection." said McGuiness.
"It should be comforting to know that their diligence allows all of us to truly rest knowing that they are keeping watch and that they are listening for anything that could threaten freedom."
More than 3,500 guests, including the crew's family and friends, submarine veterans and Portsmouth shipyard workers, attended the ceremony welcoming the submarine as the fourth naval vessel to be named New Hampshire. Approximately 1,000 additional residents of Portsmouth watched the ceremony on closed circuit television in Portsmouth's Prescott Park, across the Piscataqua River, within sight of the ceremony at PNS.
Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH) served as the principal speaker during the ceremony. He praised the men of USS New Hampshire, the shipyard workers, and paid special tribute to the family members.
"Remember, there are families behind all these men serving on this ship," Gregg told the audience. "Those families sacrifice too. They have their Sailors away for months on end. Their courage, energy, vitality and vigor allow them to go on with their lives so that those Sailors can do their job of defending our nation."
In addition to all the dignitaries present was a special group of school children. Students from Garrison Elementary School in Dover, N.H., started a letter-writing campaign in 2004, requesting the submarine bear the name of their state.
New Hampshire arrived at PNS Oct. 19 and was warmly greeted by the community. The crew was treated to many events, including a lobster bake and several receptions in the local area. Several crewmembers also received tickets to watch the National Football League's New England Patriots take on the St. Louis Rams Oct. 26.
"To have the ship's motto the same as the state's motto of 'Life Free Or Die' is especially fitting," said Cmdr. Michael Stevens, USS New Hampshire commanding officer.
"The New Hampshire and her crew will forge a new legacy that will be coupled together with the stories and achievements of many great New Hampshire notables who helped shape the history of the nation and this great state," said Adm. Kirkland Donald, director of Naval Reactors.
This is the first time in 12 years that two submarines of the same class have been commissioned in the same year. USS North Carolina (SSN 777) was commissioned in May.
Cost-reduction initiatives resulted in USS New Hampshire being delivered eight months early and $54 million under budget. Some say this is just one of the reasons why the Virginia class of submarines is becoming a benchmark for future classes of naval ships.
Through their unique capabilities of stealth and endurance, Virginia-class submarines directly enable the Maritime Strategy core capabilities of forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection and maritime security. Equally adept at operating in the world's shallow littoral regions and deep waters, New Hampshire will significantly contribute to the mission areas of anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; special operations forces; strike; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Navy Commissions Submarine New Hampshire
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy's newest attack submarine New Hampshire (SSN 778) will be commissioned Oct. 25 during a 10 a.m., ceremony at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine.
U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg will deliver the ceremony's principal address. The ship's sponsor, Cheryl McGuinness of Portsmouth, N.H., is the widow of Lt. Cmdr. Thomas McGuinness, a veteran Navy pilot and co-pilot of American Airlines Flight 11 which was flown into the North Tower of the World Trade Center by terrorists Sept. 11, 2001. The ceremony will be highlighted by a time-honored Navy tradition when McGuinness gives the order to "man our ship and bring her to life!"
The fifth submarine of the Virginia-class, New Hampshire was delivered eight months early thanks to the Navy's on-going cost-reduction initiatives. This will mark the first time since 1996 that the Navy has commissioned two submarines of the same class in the same year. USS North Carolina (SSN 777) was commissioned in May.
Through their unique capabilities of stealth and endurance, Virginia-class submarines directly enable the Maritime Strategy core capabilities of forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection and maritime security. Equally adept at operating in the world's shallow littoral regions and deep waters, New Hampshire will significantly contribute to the mission areas of anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; special operations forces; strike; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare.
Cmdr. Mike Stevens, a native of Tacoma, Wash., will become the ship's first commanding officer, leading a crew of approximately 134 officers and enlisted personnel.
The 7,800-ton New Hampshire was built under a unique teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding. New Hampshire is 337 feet in length, has a beam of 34 feet and can operate at depths greater than 800 feet and at speeds exceeding 25 knots submerged. New Hampshire is also designed with a reactor plant which will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship, reducing lifecycle costs while increasing operational availability.
U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg will deliver the ceremony's principal address. The ship's sponsor, Cheryl McGuinness of Portsmouth, N.H., is the widow of Lt. Cmdr. Thomas McGuinness, a veteran Navy pilot and co-pilot of American Airlines Flight 11 which was flown into the North Tower of the World Trade Center by terrorists Sept. 11, 2001. The ceremony will be highlighted by a time-honored Navy tradition when McGuinness gives the order to "man our ship and bring her to life!"
The fifth submarine of the Virginia-class, New Hampshire was delivered eight months early thanks to the Navy's on-going cost-reduction initiatives. This will mark the first time since 1996 that the Navy has commissioned two submarines of the same class in the same year. USS North Carolina (SSN 777) was commissioned in May.
Through their unique capabilities of stealth and endurance, Virginia-class submarines directly enable the Maritime Strategy core capabilities of forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection and maritime security. Equally adept at operating in the world's shallow littoral regions and deep waters, New Hampshire will significantly contribute to the mission areas of anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; special operations forces; strike; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare.
Cmdr. Mike Stevens, a native of Tacoma, Wash., will become the ship's first commanding officer, leading a crew of approximately 134 officers and enlisted personnel.
The 7,800-ton New Hampshire was built under a unique teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding. New Hampshire is 337 feet in length, has a beam of 34 feet and can operate at depths greater than 800 feet and at speeds exceeding 25 knots submerged. New Hampshire is also designed with a reactor plant which will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship, reducing lifecycle costs while increasing operational availability.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Navy Takes Delivery of New Hampshire Eight Months Early
The Navy took delivery of its newest attack submarine, Pre Commissioning Unit (PCU) New Hampshire (SSN 778), from General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB) Aug. 27, eight months early to its contract delivery date.
New Hampshire is the fifth Virginia-class submarine and the third delivered by GDEB.
New Hampshire's early delivery is an important milestone for both the submarine force and the Virginia-class program.
"Delivering ahead of schedule demonstrates the significant progress made by both the Navy and its shipbuilding partners GDEB and [Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding] toward reducing our construction span and therefore end costs," said Rear Adm. William Hilarides, program executive officer for submarines.
"Our shipbuilding partners have played an active role in reducing construction time and cost, both through the Capital Expenditures incentive program that improves facilities and 'lean' initiatives that make shipbuilding more efficient," said Rear Adm. (Sel.) Dave Johnson, Virginia-class program manager.
USS Hawaii (SSN 776) and USS North Carolina (SSN 777), the two submarines delivered prior to New Hampshire, completed construction after 86 and 82 months respectively. New Hampshire completed construction in just 71 months.
"New Mexico, our next submarine, is projected to be completed after 66 months of construction," added Johnson. "We're closing in on our goal to reduce construction time down to 60 months by our FY12 ships, a significant cost reduction milestone. The Virginia-class program has achieved real savings through economic order quantity purchases."
New Hampshire's delivery is the fourth of seven Virginia-class milestones planned for 2008. Earlier accomplishments include PCU New Mexico's (SSN 779) keel laying ceremony April 12; North Carolina's May 3 commissioning; and New Hampshire's christening ceremony held at GDEB June 21. GDEB will host PCU Missouri's (SSN 780) keel-laying ceremony Sept. 27 while New Mexico will be christened at NGSB Dec. 13.
In between those two events, the Navy will commission New Hampshire at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kittery, Maine, Oct. 25. This will mark the first time since 1996 that the Navy has commissioned two submarines of the same class in the same year.
Virginia-class submarines are flexible, multimission platforms designed to operate in both open ocean and littoral waters. Their inherent stealth, endurance, and firepower enable them to support the United States seapower core capabilities of forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection and maritime security.
New Hampshire is the fifth Virginia-class submarine and the third delivered by GDEB.
New Hampshire's early delivery is an important milestone for both the submarine force and the Virginia-class program.
"Delivering ahead of schedule demonstrates the significant progress made by both the Navy and its shipbuilding partners GDEB and [Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding] toward reducing our construction span and therefore end costs," said Rear Adm. William Hilarides, program executive officer for submarines.
"Our shipbuilding partners have played an active role in reducing construction time and cost, both through the Capital Expenditures incentive program that improves facilities and 'lean' initiatives that make shipbuilding more efficient," said Rear Adm. (Sel.) Dave Johnson, Virginia-class program manager.
USS Hawaii (SSN 776) and USS North Carolina (SSN 777), the two submarines delivered prior to New Hampshire, completed construction after 86 and 82 months respectively. New Hampshire completed construction in just 71 months.
"New Mexico, our next submarine, is projected to be completed after 66 months of construction," added Johnson. "We're closing in on our goal to reduce construction time down to 60 months by our FY12 ships, a significant cost reduction milestone. The Virginia-class program has achieved real savings through economic order quantity purchases."
New Hampshire's delivery is the fourth of seven Virginia-class milestones planned for 2008. Earlier accomplishments include PCU New Mexico's (SSN 779) keel laying ceremony April 12; North Carolina's May 3 commissioning; and New Hampshire's christening ceremony held at GDEB June 21. GDEB will host PCU Missouri's (SSN 780) keel-laying ceremony Sept. 27 while New Mexico will be christened at NGSB Dec. 13.
In between those two events, the Navy will commission New Hampshire at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kittery, Maine, Oct. 25. This will mark the first time since 1996 that the Navy has commissioned two submarines of the same class in the same year.
Virginia-class submarines are flexible, multimission platforms designed to operate in both open ocean and littoral waters. Their inherent stealth, endurance, and firepower enable them to support the United States seapower core capabilities of forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection and maritime security.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Navy Christens New Hampshire
By Lt. James Stockman, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs
GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- The Navy christened its newest Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine "New Hampshire" June 21, at General Dynamics Electric Boat at Groton, Conn.
This christening marks the fourth time the U.S. Navy named a ship after the Granite State. The service awarded the name to the submarine after third-graders from Garrison Elementary School in Dover, N.H., wrote letters to Congress members, the governor and the Secretary of the Navy.
Adm. Kirkland Donald, Naval Nuclear Propulsion director, gave the principal remarks and spoke about the New Hampshire's way ahead.
"There still is a lot of hard work to be done," said Donald. "New Hampshire is entering the fleet during a time of conflict. The missions of this new submarine are vital to victory in this war on terrorism."
Ship sponsor Cheryl McGuinness, a resident of Portsmouth, N.H., christened the boat by breaking a bottle of sparkling champagne over the submarine at the Groton shipyard. Her husband, Tom, died on Sept. 11, 2001. He co-piloted American Airlines Flight 11, an aircraft flowen into the north tower of the World Trade Center that day.
"I'm looking at many heroes," said McGuinness as she spoke to the more than 130 New Hampshire crew members standing before her. "You are all my heroes."
McGuinness added after the ceremony that the New Hampshire symbolizes a new journey of protecting freedom. She says she plans to do all she can to support the New Hampshire and it's crew.
New Hampshire is scheduled to be commissioned in October at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine.
As the Navy's next-generation attack submarine, the Virginia class will provide the U.S. Navy with the capabilities it requires to maintain the nation's undersea supremacy well into the 21st century. New Hampshire will have improved stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and Special Warfare enhancements that will enable it to meet the Navy's multi-mission requirements.
GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- The Navy christened its newest Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine "New Hampshire" June 21, at General Dynamics Electric Boat at Groton, Conn.
This christening marks the fourth time the U.S. Navy named a ship after the Granite State. The service awarded the name to the submarine after third-graders from Garrison Elementary School in Dover, N.H., wrote letters to Congress members, the governor and the Secretary of the Navy.
Adm. Kirkland Donald, Naval Nuclear Propulsion director, gave the principal remarks and spoke about the New Hampshire's way ahead.
"There still is a lot of hard work to be done," said Donald. "New Hampshire is entering the fleet during a time of conflict. The missions of this new submarine are vital to victory in this war on terrorism."
Ship sponsor Cheryl McGuinness, a resident of Portsmouth, N.H., christened the boat by breaking a bottle of sparkling champagne over the submarine at the Groton shipyard. Her husband, Tom, died on Sept. 11, 2001. He co-piloted American Airlines Flight 11, an aircraft flowen into the north tower of the World Trade Center that day.
"I'm looking at many heroes," said McGuinness as she spoke to the more than 130 New Hampshire crew members standing before her. "You are all my heroes."
McGuinness added after the ceremony that the New Hampshire symbolizes a new journey of protecting freedom. She says she plans to do all she can to support the New Hampshire and it's crew.
New Hampshire is scheduled to be commissioned in October at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine.
As the Navy's next-generation attack submarine, the Virginia class will provide the U.S. Navy with the capabilities it requires to maintain the nation's undersea supremacy well into the 21st century. New Hampshire will have improved stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and Special Warfare enhancements that will enable it to meet the Navy's multi-mission requirements.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Navy Announces Christening of Submarine New Hampshire
The Navy's newest attack submarine New Hampshire (SSN 778) will be christened June 21, during an 11:00 a.m. EDT ceremony at Electric Boat in Groton.
Director of Naval Reactors, Adm. Kirkland Donald, will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Cheryl McGuinness of Portsmouth, N.H., will serve as New Hampshire's sponsor.
McGuinness is the widow of Thomas McGuiness, co-pilot of American Airlines Flight 11 which was flown into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. The highlight of the ceremony will be McGuinness christening the ship by breaking a bottle of sparkling wine over the submarine, a time honored Navy tradition.
The fifth Virginia-class submarine, New Hampshire is the third ship to honor the Granite State. The first USS New Hampshire was in service from 1846-1921, including service during the Civil War. Later, she was renamed Granite State following decommissioning and was used as a training ship for the New York State Militia. The second USS New Hampshire (1908-1921) was a battleship used for convoy escort duty during World War I and also served as a training ship.
Along with her sister ships, New Hampshire, will provide the Navy with the capabilities required to maintain the nation's undersea supremacy well into the 21st century.
Cmdr. Mike Stevens will become the ship's first commanding officer and will lead a crew of approximately 134 officers and enlisted personnel.
The 7,800-ton New Hampshire is built under a teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat, Conn. and Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding - Newport News, Va.. She is 337 feet in length, has a beam of 34 feet, and can operate at more than 25 knots submerged.
Director of Naval Reactors, Adm. Kirkland Donald, will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Cheryl McGuinness of Portsmouth, N.H., will serve as New Hampshire's sponsor.
McGuinness is the widow of Thomas McGuiness, co-pilot of American Airlines Flight 11 which was flown into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. The highlight of the ceremony will be McGuinness christening the ship by breaking a bottle of sparkling wine over the submarine, a time honored Navy tradition.
The fifth Virginia-class submarine, New Hampshire is the third ship to honor the Granite State. The first USS New Hampshire was in service from 1846-1921, including service during the Civil War. Later, she was renamed Granite State following decommissioning and was used as a training ship for the New York State Militia. The second USS New Hampshire (1908-1921) was a battleship used for convoy escort duty during World War I and also served as a training ship.
Along with her sister ships, New Hampshire, will provide the Navy with the capabilities required to maintain the nation's undersea supremacy well into the 21st century.
Cmdr. Mike Stevens will become the ship's first commanding officer and will lead a crew of approximately 134 officers and enlisted personnel.
The 7,800-ton New Hampshire is built under a teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat, Conn. and Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding - Newport News, Va.. She is 337 feet in length, has a beam of 34 feet, and can operate at more than 25 knots submerged.
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