WILMINGTON, N.C. (NNS) -- The Navy's newest nuclear-powered submarine, USS North Carolina (SSN 777), bid farewell to her namesake state May 5, during a departure ceremony at the Port of Wilmington.
Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo, city officials and commissioning committee members waved good-bye to North Carolina and her crew as the boat slipped away from the pier and transited down the Cape Fear River toward open ocean.
"I told the captain and the crew that I was going to be a little depressed with them leaving, but it's been exciting for the city of Wilmington and we've made long lasting friends," said Saffo.
The crew of North Carolina enjoyed a week of celebrations and festivities culminating in her commissioning ceremony May 3, when she became the fourth submarine of the Virginia-class and the first submarine named after the "Tar Heel" state.
"They (North Carolina crew) were touched by the warmth and hospitality of Wilmington, but as much fun as this past week has been, we're submariners and look forward to getting back to sea," said Capt. Mark Davis, USS North Carolina commanding officer.
North Carolina will initially return to Norfolk, Va. before joining her sister ships USS Virginia (SSN 774), USS Texas (SSN 775) and USS Hawaii (SSN 776) at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn.
With stealth, persistence, agility and firepower, fast-attack submarines like North Carolina are multi-mission capable--able to deploy and support special force operations, disrupt and destroy an adversary's military and economic operations at sea, provide early strike from close proximity and ensure undersea superiority.