USS Missouri Returns from 6-Month Deployment

By Chief Mass Communication Steve Owsley, Naval Submarine Support Center, New London, Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Virginia-class, nuclear-powered, fast-attack submarine USS Missouri (SSN 780) returned to its homeport at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton from a regularly scheduled deployment, Feb. 12.

Under the command of Cmdr. Fraser Hudson, Missouri returned from the European Command (EUCOM) areas of responsibility (AOR) where the crew executed the chief of naval operations' maritime strategy in supporting national security interests and maritime security operations.

"Missouri conducted operations in the EUCOM AOR as part of the U.S. Navy's forward presence in support of national interests," said Hudson. "The extended operations also provide critical experience to our future submarine leaders. This is essential to maintaining an experienced submarine force, ready to operate in any environment."

During the deployment Missouri steamed approximately 37,000 nautical miles, or 42,578 standard miles, equal to approximately 1.7 trips around the world at the equator or driving nearly 7.3 trips between New London to San Diego. Port visits were conducted in Faslane, Scotland; Rota, Spain, and Brest, France.

Like the Missouri and her crew, some loved ones attending the homecoming ceremony also travelled great distances. Some from warm weather states like California, Florida, Texas, and Arizona to brave the coldest day of Groton's winter.

The cold weather didn't dampen the friends and families' enthusiasm as they held signs and cheered as Missouri was guided alongside the pier.

The first person to welcome her Sailor home was Katy Slavin who won the traditional "first kiss" from her husband, Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Slavin Jr.

Clara Grace Abplanalp said she got "the best birthday present ever," when she won the first hug and welcomed her father, Missouri Weapons Officer Lt. Chris Abplanalp, home.

Another Missouri Sailor was working hard below decks so his shipmates could enjoy time with their friends and family.

"I didn't think I had anyone waiting for me on the pier, then my chief came down, very casually and said I should go topside," said Seaman Daniel Martin.

When he got to the pier he was surprised to find his mother and grandmother waiting for him.

"Wow, this is the best surprise ever!" said a stunned yet, happy Martin. "I had no idea. Wow! I can't believe it."

Martin may be new to the Navy, but another Sailor was not. Erin Mills met her husband Chief Petty Officer Aaron Mills who is set to retire in June after 20 years of service. This is most likely his last homecoming ceremony before retiring.

As Mills gets ready to close one chapter of his life, Petty Officer 1st Class Tyler Schneider will start another as learned that his wife, Leigh is expecting their first child after they shared a port visit in Faslane, Scotland.

Reigning Ms. Connecticut 2015 USA Ambassador, Kaitlyn Olson welcomed the crew and her husband, Petty Officer 2nd Class Sean Ingino, home. Olson's attendance was part for herself and part for her title.

"Since being crowned, I have had so many wonderful opportunities," said Olson. "My platform is working with military families in need and I have attended many veteran's events and met many wonderful veterans and their families."

The friends and family of the Missouri crew are happy to have their Sailors home safe and the Sailors are happy to be reunited with their loved ones. But, it can also be bitter sweet for the close-knit crew of a fast attack submarine.

Hudson said he was proud of the crew's tireless work and accomplishments on deployment, as well as, the families' extra work at home, which allowed he and his crew to deploy successfully.

"It's wonderful to be home with our family and friends. I am personally looking forward to hearing all about what my wife and two children did while I was away," said Hudson. "Though, a part of me will miss Missouri. She was our home for the last six months, she carried us across and under the ocean and then returned us safely home."

Fast-attack Submarines like Missouri are multi-mission platforms enabling five of the six Navy maritime strategy core-capabilities - sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence. The submarine is designed to excel in anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations; intelligence; surveillance and reconnaissance; irregular warfare and mine warfare - from open ocean anti-submarine warfare to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, to projecting power ashore with special operation forces and Tomahawk cruise missiles in the prevention or preparation of regional crises.

Commissioned July 31, 2010, Missouri is the seventh Virginia-class submarine and the fifth U.S. Navy ship to be named for the state of Missouri. It is 377 feet long with a beam of 34 feet. Virginia-class, fast-attack submarines have a crew of approximately 132, made up of 15 officers and 117 enlisted Sailors.

USS Missouri Joins Commissioned Fleet

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class T.H. Merritt, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- With the traditional first order "man our ship and bring her to life," Sailors assigned to USS Missouri (SSN 780) boarded the Virginia-class attack submarine during a commissioning ceremony at Naval Submarine Base New London July 31.

About 3,000 people from across the nation attended the ceremony at the submarine base, while others viewed it live on the internet. The submarine gleamed under the New England sun as family, crew members and veterans past and present lined the pier.

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus reminded the crew of the versatility of their future missions.

"It may take you underneath the Arctic ice or the warm waters of the Indian Ocean," said Mabus.

Secretary Mabus also stressed the importance of the savings of the construction program, citing the submarine's early completion and delivery ahead of schedule.

"For every dollar we don't spend correctly, that's one less we have to defend the country," said Mabus.

Other speakers included Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead, who noted Missouri "will deliver an outstanding return on the nation's investment."

Missouri will directly enable five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities - sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence.

Representative Ike Skelton of Missouri, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, was the keynote speaker.

"There is none better," said Skelton, referring to the submarine. "This amazing submarine and the other submarines of this class are vital to our national security. The simple reason is contained in one word: stealth."

Missouri is built to excel in anti-submarine warfare; anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions in both the world's shallow littoral regions and deep waters.

At 377-feet long, Missouri is slightly longer than a football field. She has a 34-foot beam, will be able to dive to depths greater than 800 feet and will operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots submerged.

"Although her main goal is to prevent war, this vessel can in fact win a high intensity conflict once started," said Skelton.

Cmdr. Timothy Rexrode is the commanding officer of Missouri, the seventh ship of the Virginia-class.

The night before the commissioning, the USS Missouri (SSN 780) Commissioning Committee, in partnership with Grantham University, presented a full scholarship to a plank owner assigned to Virginia-class submarine Missouri.

Electrician's Mate 1st Class Joseph Amick was presented the four-year scholarship by retired Rear Adm. Karen Harmeyer, a member of the university's Board of Directors, during the commanding officer's reception hosted by the committee at the Mystic Marriott.

"This is a perpetual scholarship," said Harmeyer. "There will always be one scholarship available to a member of USS Missouri's crew. What better way to grow our leaders of tomorrow."

The scholarship can be used to earn an undergraduate or graduate degree at Grantham and includes tuition costs, required textbooks and software, and a laptop computer.

Amick said he plans to get started right away.

"I'm a little overwhelmed right now," he said. "I never thought I would be selected for this amazing opportunity."

Amick acknowledged he felt eager and motivated.

"I feel like I need to complete this early," he said. "There are so many other deserving crew members that could also use this."

In addition, Harmeyer said the university is donating five additional laptops loaded with selected courses from Grantham for general crew use. Any crew member who completes the courses could opt to enroll at Grantham to receive credit.

Missouri, which completed sea trials in early July, arrived at Naval Submarine Base New London July 22 in preparation for commissioning following a material readiness inspection by the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) team. INSURV is a survey team established by Congress to assess Navy surface ships, aircraft carriers and submarines and ensure they are properly equipped for prompt, reliable and sustained mission readiness at sea.

Construction on Missouri began in December 2004; the submarine's keel was authenticated during a ceremony on Sept. 27, 2008 at the Electric Boat facility in North Kingstown, R.I.; and, she was christened during a late morning ceremony at Electric Boat on Dec. 5, 2009.

Another milestone occurred on April 16 during "In Service Day," when crew members moved aboard the submarine, bringing her systems to life, beginning general day-to-day operations and preparing for sea-trials, work-ups and commissioning.

Rexrode leads a crew of about 134 officers and enlisted personnel. A native of Spencer, W.Va., Rexrode graduated with honors in 1990 from West Virginia University, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering. In addition, Rexrode is a distinguished graduate of the United States Marine Corps Command and Staff College, holding as Master's in Military Studies. He also received a Master's of Arts degree in Administration from Central Michigan University.

Becky Gates, wife of U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, serves as the submarine's sponsor. She broke the traditional champagne bottle against the boat's sail during the christening ceremony last December. Her initials were welded into a plaque inside the boat during last year's keel laying ceremony.

Missouri is the fifth Navy ship to be named in honor of the people of the "Show Me State." The last USS Missouri, the legendary battleship, was the site where Fleet Adm. Chester Nimitz, Gen. Douglas MacArthur, and many other U.S. and Allied officers accepted the unconditional surrender of the Japanese at the end of World War II on Sept. 2, 1945.

Missouri is built to excel in anti-submarine warfare; anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions. Adept at operating in both the world's shallow littoral regions and deep waters, Missouri will directly enable five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities - sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence.

The 7,800-ton submarine Missouri is being built under a teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding-Newport News. At 377-feet long, Missouri is slightly longer than a football field. She has a 34-foot beam, will be able to dive to depths greater than 800 feet and will operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots submerged. Missouri is designed with a nuclear reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship, reducing lifecycle costs and increasing underway time.

The USS Missouri Commissioning Committee, an IRS-designated 501(c)3 nonprofit charity, was created to increase awareness of the submarine's commissioning. The Commissioning Committee offers information about the development of the submarine, as well as history on former Navy ships named for the "Show Me State."

Grantham University was founded in 1951 by Mr. Donald Grantham, a veteran of World War II, to help prepare veterans for new jobs in the electronics' industry and a better future upon their return to civilian life. Today, the University supports thousands of online students in 36 different associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs.

Missouri Arrives At Submarine Base New London

By Lt. Patrick Evans, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs Officer

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- The nation's newest and most-advanced nuclear-powered attack submarine, Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Missouri (SSN 780), arrived at Naval Submarine Base New London July 22 in preparation for commissioning.

Missouri completed sea trials earlier and a material readiness inspection by the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) team. INSURV is a survey team established by Congress to assess Navy surface ships, aircraft carriers and submarines and ensure they are properly equipped for prompt, reliable and sustained mission readiness at sea.

"Today really marks the first day where the sub starts to become part of that fleet, which will culminate with the commissioning," said Capt. Michael Bernacchi, commodore of Submarine Squadron 4, which will be Missouri's home squadron. "The crew has done an unbelievable job over the past five months, just a tremendous amount of work getting the ship ready. They are clearly ahead of the game, and we're very excited to have them here at sub base and part of squadron four."

Cmdr. Timothy Rexrode, the commanding officer of Missouri, is looking forward to the ship's commissioning July 31.

"This really is the biggest honor I've had in my professional career," said Rexrode. "I'm proud to bear the name Missouri and to get out to the fleet and work for the Navy and the nation."

There are five Missouri natives among the submarine's crew. They are Electronics Technician 1st Class John M. Tyhurst, a Joplin native; Sonar Technician Seaman Benjamin A. Bowers, a Green Ridge native; Lt. Patrick Donovan, a Springfield native; Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Nicholas C. Koblick, a St. Louis native; and, Fire Control Technician 2nd Class Ryan J. Thruston, a Jefferson City native.

Construction on Missouri began in December 2004; the submarine's keel was authenticated during a ceremony on Sept. 27, 2008 at the Electric Boat facility in North Kingstown, R.I.; and, she was christened during a late morning ceremony at Electric Boat on Dec. 5, 2009.

Another milestone occurred on April 16 during "In Service Day," when crew members moved aboard the submarine, bringing her systems to life, beginning general day-to-day operations and preparing for sea-trials, work-ups and commissioning.

Rexrode leads a crew of about 134 officers and enlisted personnel. A native of Spencer, W.Va., Rexrode graduated with honors in 1990 from West Virginia University, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering. In addition, Rexrode is a distinguished graduate of the United States Marine Corps Command and Staff College, holding as Master's in Military Studies. He also received a Master's of Arts degree in Administration from Central Michigan University.

Wife of U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, Becky, christen the vessel at the ceremony last December. Her initials were welded into a plaque inside the boat during the keel laying ceremony and serves as the submarine's sponsor.

Missouri is the fifth Navy ship to be named in honor of the people of the "Show Me State." The last USS Missouri, the legendary battleship, was the site where Fleet Adm. Chester Nimitz, Gen. Douglas MacArthur, and many other U.S. and Allied officers accepted the unconditional surrender of the Japanese at the end of World War II on Sept. 2, 1945.

Missouri is built to excel in anti-submarine warfare; anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions. Adept at operating in both the world's shallow littoral regions and deep waters, Missouri will directly enable five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities - sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence.

The 7,800-ton submarine Missouri is being built under a teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding-Newport News. At 377-feet long, Missouri is slightly longer than a football field. She has a 34-foot beam, will be able to dive to depths greater than 800 feet and will operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots submerged. Missouri is designed with a nuclear reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship, reducing lifecycle costs and increasing underway time.

The USS Missouri Commissioning Committee, an IRS-designated 501(c)3 nonprofit charity, was created to increase awareness of the submarine's commissioning. The Commissioning Committee offers information about the development of the submarine, as well as history on former Navy ships named for the "Show Me State."

PCU Missouri Successfully Completes Alpha Sea Trials

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Pre-Commissioning Unit Missouri (SSN 780), the U.S. Navy's newest Virginia-class submarine, returned to Groton, Conn., July 4, following the successful completion of its initial, Alpha, sea trials.

Missouri departed Groton, Conn., July 2 on its maiden underway period.

During its Alpha sea trials, Missouri's crew evaluated their ship's capabilities through several different testing evolutions including diving to test depth, conducting an emergency surfacing and testing the submarine's propulsion plant.

Missouri is commanded by Cmdr. Timothy A. Rexrode of Spencer, W.Va.

"Missouri and her crew lived up to our highest expectations," said Capt. Michael Jabaley, Virginia-class program manager. "Cmdr. Rexrode and his team performed flawlessly and were constantly ahead of schedule. The material condition of the ship was outstanding, a testament to the quality of its construction, allowing us to perform a rapid turnaround and get the ship back out on Bravo trials the next day."

Missouri's began Bravo sea trials July 5. The Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) trials will commence aboard Missouri later in July 2010. Missouri's commissioning is scheduled for July 31 in Groton.

Missouri, the seventh submarine of the Virginia class, will deliver nine months early to its original contract delivery date. Additionally, all Virginia-class submarines currently under construction are on track to deliver early while also reducing the total construction span for each successive ship.

Missouri's commissioning, along with USS New Mexico's (SSN 779) in March 2010, will mark the second time since 1996 that the Navy has commissioned two submarines of the same class in the same year.

"We will commission two submarines this year because the Navy and its industrial partners are delivering boats ahead of schedule," said Rear Adm. William Hilarides, Program Executive Officer, Submarines, noting that New Mexico delivered seven months early to its contract delivery date, while Missouri is projected to deliver in 65 months, which is nine months early to its contract delivery date.

"The Virginia program is fulfilling its primary requirements of getting this needed capability to the fleet as soon as possible and is on track to meeting our stated goal of reducing its construction span to 60 months by fiscal year 2012," said Hilarides.

Missouri, like her six other sister ships already in commission, is a flexible, multimission platform designed to conduct the seven core missions of the U.S. submarine force - anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; special operations forces; strike; irregular warfare; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and mine warfare.

Submarine Missouri Successfully Completes First Voyage

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- The nation's newest and most-advanced nuclear-powered attack submarine, Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Missouri (SSN 780), returned to the General Dynamics Electric Boat Shipyard in Groton, Conn., July 4 following the successful completion of its first voyage in open seas.

Missouri's sea trials included a range of submarine and propulsion plant operations, submerging for the first time and high-speed runs on and below the surface to demonstrate that the ship's propulsion plant is fully mission-capable.

The sea trials were directed by Adm. Kirkland Donald, director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion. Also participating in the sea trials were Rear Adm. William Hilarides, Program Executive Officer for Submarines; Rear Adm. Michael McLaughlin, commander, Submarine Group 2; Capt. Leslie Elkin, supervisor of shipbuilding in Groton; and John P. Casey, president of Electric Boat.

"Taking a submarine out for the first time is challenging, and the crew and Electric Boat responded to that challenge very well," said McLaughlin. "I appreciate both organizations' teamwork as they prepare Missouri to join the fleet. Job well done."

"The crew and shipbuilders worked together seamlessly to take this submarine to sea and put it through its paces," said Casey. "It was a superb effort by everyone involved and reflects the commitment of the Navy/industry team to sustain the success of the Virginia-class submarine program. I deeply appreciate the contributions made by the Navy personnel, shipbuilders and suppliers who made it happen."

The successful completion of sea trials is another milestone on Missouri's journey toward officially joining the fleet, which will occur during a commissioning ceremony July 31 at 11 a.m. at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton.

Construction on Missouri began in December 2004; the submarine's keel was authenticated during a ceremony Sept. 27, 2008, at the Electric Boat facility in North Kingstown, R.I. Missouri was christened during a late morning ceremony at Electric Boat Dec. 5, 2009.

Another milestone occurred April 16 during "In Service Day," when crew members moved aboard the submarine, bringing her systems to life, beginning general day-to-day operations and preparing for sea-trials, work-ups and commissioning.

Cmdr. Timothy Rexrode is the commanding officer of Missouri, the seventh ship of the Virginia class. He leads a crew of about 134 officers and enlisted personnel. A native of Spencer, W.Va., Rexrode graduated with honors in 1990 from West Virginia University, receiving a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering. In addition, Rexrode is a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Marine Corps Command and Staff College, holding a master's degree in military studies. Rexrode also received a master's degree in administration from Central Michigan University.

Becky Gates, wife of U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, serves as the submarine's sponsor. She broke the traditional champagne bottle against the boat's sail during the christening ceremony in December 2009. Her initials were welded into a plaque inside the boat during last year's keel laying ceremony.

Missouri is the fifth Navy ship to be named in honor of the people of the "Show Me State." The last Missouri, the legendary battleship, was the site where Fleet Adm. Chester Nimitz, Gen. Douglas MacArthur and many other U.S. and Allied officers accepted the unconditional surrender of the Japanese at the end of World War II Sept. 2, 1945.

Missouri is built to excel in anti-submarine warfare; anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions. Adept at operating in both the world's shallow littoral regions and deep waters, Missouri will directly enable five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities - sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence.

The 7,800-ton submarine Missouri is being built under a teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding Newport News, Va. At 377-feet long, Missouri is slightly longer than a football field. It has a 34-foot beam, will be able to dive to depths greater than 800 feet and will operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots submerged.

Missouri is designed with a nuclear reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship, reducing lifecycle costs and increasing underway time.

The USS Missouri Commissioning Committee, an IRS-designated 501(c)3 nonprofit charity, was created to increase awareness of the submarine's commissioning. The committee offers information about the development of the submarine, as well as history on former Navy ships named for the "Show Me State."

Navy Christens Newest Virginia-Class Submarine Missouri

By Lt. Patrick Evans, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- With the spray of bubbly from a champagne bottle, PCU Missouri (SSN 780), the Navy's newest Virginia-class attack submarine, was christened during a late morning ceremony at General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Conn., Dec. 5.

Missouri, the fifth Navy ship to be named in honor of the people of the "Show Me State," is "a link in the honored chain of ships to bear the name; another chapter in the storied history of the Naval service," said Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus.

SECNAV and Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates were among the many dignitaries and guests who attended the ceremony.

"We gather for this christening with the knowledge that Missouri's service builds upon a proud lineage of her namesake," said U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill of Missouri, the principal speaker for the event. "We gather in the belief that her service to our country – silent as it may be – will keep Americans safe by deterring would-be aggressors. We also gather today to confidently set the tone for the character of this submarine, which will sail with one foot in her proud past, but with an eye toward the future and all the potential that it holds."

Becky Gates, wife of the secretary of defense, serves as ship's sponsor. She broke the traditional champagne bottle against the boat's sail. Her initials were welded into a plaque inside the boat during last year's keel laying ceremony.

"I am humbled that in some way, I will go wherever the submarine sails," said Becky Gates. "As this, the latest Missouri, moves on to active duty, my thoughts will always be with the dedicated patriots who sail aboard her, and the loved ones who wait for their safe return."

The christening marks another milestone for the submarine, which is "now 90 percent complete with construction and is on track to finish $72 million under budget and well ahead of scheduled," according to director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Adm. Kirkland H. Donald.

"This accomplishment is a testament of the leadership on this project. It's a tribute to each individual tradesman and Sailor represented by this crew that did their job right the first time and kept the environment of success and ownership on track and ever stronger," said Donald.

The last Missouri, a legendary battleship, saw action in World War II, the Korean War, the Persian Gulf War, and was also the site where Fleet Adm. Chester Nimitz, Gen. Douglas MacArthur and many other U.S. and Allied officers accepted the unconditional surrender of the Japanese at the end of World War II Sept. 2, 1945.

"This new Missouri will continue the proud history of ships before her. We in Missouri are proud of this ship, we are proud of her crew, we are proud of the ship builders who constructed it," said U.S. Representative Ike Skelton of Missouri and chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.

The seventh Virginia-class submarine, Missouri is built to excel in anti-submarine warfare; anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions. Adept at operating in both the world's shallow littoral regions and deep waters, Missouri will directly enable five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities – sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence.

Cmdr. Timothy Rexrode of Spencer, W.Va., the ship's commanding officer, leads a crew of approximately 134 officers and enlisted personnel.

Missouri is expected to be delivered to the Navy in 2010 and begin her missions.

"She may patrol the waters of the Western Pacific or the North Atlantic. She may work with the Coast Guard and our international partners to stem the flow of illegal narcotics into our country. She may support our strike groups. And she will deploy to answer whatever the unknown challenges of the future, wherever they may be in support of our Maritime Strategy and our national objectives," said Mabus.

The 7,800-ton Missouri is being built under a teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding - Newport News. She is 377-feet long, has a 34-foot beam and will be able to dive to depths of greater than 800 feet and operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots submerged. Missouri is designed with a nuclear reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship – reducing lifecycle costs while increasing underway time.

Navy to Christen Submarine Missouri

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- The Navy will christen its newest attack submarine Missouri, Dec. 5, during an 11 a.m. EST ceremony at General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Conn.

U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Becky Gates, wife of Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, will serve as ship's sponsor.

This is the fifth Navy ship to be named in honor of the people of the "Show Me State" and its leaders for their continuous support of the military. The last USS Missouri, a legendary battleship, saw action in World War II, the Korean War, the Persian Gulf War, and was also the site where Fleet Adm. Chester Nimitz, Gen. Douglas MacArthur, and many other U.S. and Allied officers accepted the unconditional surrender of the Japanese at the end of World War II on Sept. 2, 1945.

The seventh Virginia-class submarine, Missouri is built to excel in anti-submarine warfare; anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions. Adept at operating in both the world's shallow littoral regions and deep waters, Missouri will directly enable five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities – sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence.

Cmdr. Timothy Rexrode of Spencer, W.Va., is the ship's commanding officer and will lead a crew of approximately 134 officers and enlisted personnel.

The 7,800-ton Missouri is being built under a teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding-Newport News. She is 377-feet long, has a 34-foot beam, and will be able to dive to depths of greater than 800 feet and operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots submerged. Missouri is designed with a nuclear reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship – reducing lifecycle costs while increasing underway time.

Submarine Missouri Reaches First Major Milestone

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Dean Lohmeyer, Commander Submarine Force Public Affairs

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (NNS) -- The Virginia-class attack submarine USS Missouri (SSN 780) reached her first major milestone Sept. 27, during her keel authentication ceremony held at the General Dynamics Electric Boat facility in North Kingstown.

Caesar S. DeSanto Sr. welded the initials of Rebecca W. Gates onto a plate of steel to symbolize the authentication of the keel. Gates, the wife of Secretary of Defense, Robert M. Gates, is the sponsor for Missouri, the seventh Virginia-class submarine to join the fleet.

U.S. Rep. Ike Skelton, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, was the principal speaker for the ceremony.

"All Missourians can take pride that a namesake to the 'Mighty Mo' will soon be joining the fleet, this time in the silent service," said Skelton, in a reference to the World War II-era battleship USS Missouri (BB 63).

Skelton thanked Gates for accepting the role of sponsor for the fifth ship to bear the name USS Missouri.

"Being a sponsor is not a one- or two-ceremony job," added Skelton. "This is your ship" - he spoke of Missouri's initial manning crew, who were standing in formation next to the stage - "These are your Sailors. A sponsor may stay as involved as she wishes with her ship, and I hope that you do."

Skelton, who has represented Missouri's 4th Congressional District since 1977, pointed out that many of the Sailors that will haul down Missouri's commissioning pennant when the submarine is decommissioned more than three decades from now won't be born for another five to 10 years.

"Our submarine force is built upon a strong legacy of selecting and training the best people, building and maintaining the best ships, and equipping those ships with the latest technology and most advanced equipment," said Commander Submarine Force Vice Adm. John Donnelly.

"Today, Missouri will complete a significant milestone toward adding to that legacy. She will join her sister ships of the Virginia class to provide a huge leap forward in capabilities to accomplish new missions in this new century."

Chairman of the USS Missouri Commissioning Committee Sam Bushman attended the ceremony.

"I think it's wonderful," said Bushman, a small business owner from Missouri's capital of Jefferson City. "We had ships named Missouri in the Navy during the 19th and 20th centuries, and it's nice to have a new Missouri joining the fleet again in the 21st century."

Cmdr. Dale F. Green, officer in charge of Pre-Commissioning Unit Missouri, was happy to see the ship reach this first of three major milestones. The other two milestones are christening and commissioning ceremonies.

"We consider it to be an honor to be the able to continue the great history the name USS Missouri brings to the fleet," said Green. "We try to fold a lot of USS Missouri history into what we do on the ship, using one of the guiding principles of the chiefs mess – heritage – in our everyday activities."

While most keel authentication ceremonies are attended by only a few crew members, Green brought his entire crew to Rhode Island for this ceremony.

"We've tried to make this a very big deal for the crew, which is why our entire crew was here today," said Green. "We wanted them to understand that this was a very big deal. It's important for the first crew to be molded into the team that's building the ship."

The other two members of the triad building Missouri are General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, Conn., and Northrop-Grumman Shipbuilding, Newport News, Va., who have a teaming agreement to share construction of the first 10 of a planned 30 Virginia-class submarines.

"Between the three of us, we will form what the ship is going to be, from the steel to the people," added Green. "This is really a shipyard thing today, but it was important for me to get the crew involved, to get them invested in it. To a man, everyone was excited about being a part of the ceremony."

The first ship to bear the name USS Missouri was a combination steam/sail vessel commissioned in 1842, only 21 years after the state was admitted to the union. The second Missouri was a side-wheel steamer that saw service for the Confederate Navy on the Mississippi River during the Civil War. The third Missouri (BB 11), a battleship commissioned in 1903, participated in President Theodore Roosevelt's Great White Fleet that made an around-the-world tour displaying U.S. naval power Dec. 16, 1907 to Feb. 22, 1909.

The most recent and perhaps most famous ship to bear the name Missouri was an Iowa-class battleship (BB 63). The ship saw nearly continuous combat action from her arrival in the Pacific theater in 1944 to hosting the Japanese surrender ceremony in Tokyo Bay that ended World War II Sept. 2, 1945. The ship later saw service in the Korean War before being decommissioned in 1955. She returned to active naval service in 1986 and fired some of the first strikes of the first Persian Gulf War. She was decommissioned again in 1992 and is now a floating museum in Pearl Harbor.

The submarine Missouri is expected to join the fleet during a commissioning ceremony in the summer of 2010.