USS New Mexico Completes Inaugural Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/EXW) Jason J. Perry, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Virginia-class attack submarine USS New Mexico (SSN 779) returned to Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., Aug. 12, after completing its inaugural deployment.

Under the command of Cmdr. George Perez, New Mexico transited more than 34,000 miles over the course of six months while conducting national security operations in the European region.

"New Mexico's performance on her inaugural deployment was exemplary," said Perez. "I could not be more proud of the way the crew, families, friends and supporters of New Mexico came together over this last year to make this first deployment a success."

This was the first deployment for more 70 percent of the boat's crew members.

"New Mexico met all operational commitments on time, due in large part to the sacrifice of every Sailor on board. The crew's dedication to accomplishing the mission was truly inspiring," said Perez.

New Mexico visited three ports while deployed, which included Haakonsvern, Norway; Faslane, Scotland; and Rota, Spain.

The crew is now looking forward to reuniting with family and friends while enjoying some well-earned time off, said Perez.

As the boat moored to the pier, friends and family anxiously awaited their Sailors. A few loved ones didn't have wait too long.

Erica Neufeld was awarded the "first kiss" honor. She was the first to welcome her husband Chief Electrician's Mate Wayne Neufeld home with their son Jacob.

Electrician's Mate 1st Class Jason Burke was greeted with the "first hug" from his wife Deidra Burke and three children Isaac, Ethan and Owen.

Day's before the boat's arrival, Commander, Submarine Group 2 Rear Adm. Ken Perry sent a message congratulating the crew for a successful deployment.

"As you return to 'The Submarine Capital of the World' and a warm welcome from families and friends, know that you have earned the respect of your Submarine Force shipmates and the thanks of a grateful nation," Perry wrote.

"By your outstanding deployment, New Mexico represented the fighting spirit of the Navy and truly lived to your ship's motto - 'Defendemos Nuestra Tierra' (We Defend Our Land)."

New Mexico was commissioned March 27, 2010 and is the second Navy vessel to be named for the 47th state.

USS New Mexico Arrives at New Homeport in Groton, Conn

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Virginia-class attack submarine USS New Mexico (SSN 779) made her way up the Thames River June 1 and arrived at her new homeport, Naval Submarine Base New London.

New Mexico joins Submarine Squadron 4 to further train and test the crew.

The submarine made the transition from a shipyard project to a fully operational, combat-ready vessel when she officially joined the fleet on March 27 during a commissioning ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk.

New Mexico is named in recognition of the people of the "Land of Enchantment." The battleship New Mexico (BB-40) (1918-1946), the only other ship named after the 47th state, earned six battle stars for World War II service, which included providing shore bombardment support for landings in the Gilbert and Marshall Islands, Guam, Tinian, Saipan, the Philippines, and Okinawa.

Northrop Grumman Corporation delivered the sixth submarine of the Virginia class to the U.S. Navy in December, four months ahead of schedule. New Mexico's 70-month construction period represents the shortest overall construction time to date of any Virginia-class submarine.

New Mexico is built to excel in anti-submarine warfare; anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; battle group support; and mine warfare missions. By doing so, New Mexico 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 New Mexico was built under a unique teaming arrangement between Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding and General Dynamics Electric Boat. 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. New Mexico is designed with a reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship - reducing life-cycle costs while increasing underway time.

The keel for New Mexico was authenticated April 12, 2008, and the ship was christened Dec. 13, 2008. New Mexico is the most modern and sophisticated attack submarine in the world, providing undersea supremacy well into the 21st century.

Submarine New Mexico Joins the Fleet

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kleynia McKnight, Navy Public Affairs Support Element - East

NORFOLK (NNS) -- With the traditional first order "man our ship and bring her to life," Sailors assigned to USS New Mexico (SSN 779) boarded the Virginia-class attack submarine during a commissioning ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk March 27.

New Mexico is named in recognition of the people of the "Land of Enchantment." The battleship New Mexico (BB-40) (1918-1946), the only other ship named after the 47th state, earned six battle stars for World War II service, which included providing shore bombardment support for landings in the Gilbert and Marshall Islands, Guam, Tinian, Saipan, the Philippines, and Okinawa.

Adm. Kirkland Donald, director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion, who delivered the ceremony's principal address, recognized the Northrop Grumman Corporation, distinguished guests, former battleship New Mexico veterans, ship's crew, family and friends stating, "'Defendemos Nuestra Tierra' - defend our land - is the ship's motto, which will start the harmonious tone to the operation of this ship.

"It's been a marvel to see the team come together and deliver this operation so well. At the end of the day, this mission-ready ship has been delivered in the shortest time of all other Virginia-class submarines."

New Mexico Sponsor, Cindy Giambastiani, wife of former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff retired Adm. Edmund Giambastiani, congratulated Cmdr. Mark Prokopius, officers and crew members. "Your courage and patriotism will reflect on the life of the ship."

Prokopius, New Mexico's commanding officer, will lead the crew of approximately 134 officers and enlisted personnel.

"I am proud and humbled to be part of the crew and their commanding officer. I am truly grateful for the dedication that the crew has given to this ship," said Prokopius.

Northrop Grumman Corporation delivered the sixth submarine of the Virginia class to the U.S. Navy in December, four months ahead of schedule. New Mexico's 70-month construction period represents the shortest overall construction time to date of any Virginia-class submarine.

New Mexico is built to excel in anti-submarine warfare; anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; battle group support; and mine warfare missions. By doing so, New Mexico 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 New Mexico was built under a unique teaming arrangement between Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding and General Dynamics Electric Boat. 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. New Mexico is designed with a reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship - reducing life-cycle costs while increasing underway time.

The keel for New Mexico was authenticated April 12, 2008, and the ship was christened on Dec. 13, 2008. New Mexico is the most modern and sophisticated attack submarine in the world, providing undersea supremacy well into the 21st century.

PCU New Mexico Delivered to Navy Four Months Early

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy took delivery of its newest attack submarine, PCU New Mexico (SSN 779), from Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding (NGSB) Dec. 29, four months earlier than its contract delivery date. New Mexico is the sixth Virginia-class submarine and the third delivered by NGSB.

"New Mexico performed superbly on sea trials," said Rear Adm. William Hilarides, program executive officer for submarines. "Her early delivery keeps us firmly on pace for a 60-month construction span by the end of the Block II contract."

Capt. Michael Jabaley, Virginia-class Program manager, commented, "With the delivery of the sixth submarine, the Virginia Program continues to provide needed capability to the fleet."

USS North Carolina (SSN 777) and USS New Hampshire (SSN 778), the two submarines delivered prior to New Mexico, were completed after 82 and 71 months, respectively. New Mexico completed construction in just 70 months.

"Raising the bar yet again, the Virginia shipbuilding team has completed the fastest delivery to date, with further improvement soon to follow. This improvement in performance positions the team to double the production rate to two submarines per year in 2011. Keeping the production rate at two per year is critical to maintaining the Navy's Attack Submarine inventory," Jabaley added.

New Mexico's delivery in 2009 wraps up a successful year for the Virginia-class program. Earlier accomplishments include beginning the construction of PCU North Dakota (SSN 784) March 2; the keel-laying ceremony of PCU California's (SSN 781) May 1; USS Texas (SSN 775) completion of the Virginia-class submarines' first Arctic Ocean testing in November; transfers of USS Hawaii (SSN 776) and Texas to their new homeport of Pearl Harbor in July and November respectively; and the christening ceremony of PCU Missouri's (SSN 780) Dec. 5.

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.

Future USS New Mexico Successfully Completes Alpha Trials

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Pre-Commissioning Unit New Mexico (SSN 779), the U.S. Navy's newest submarine, successfully completed its initial sea trials, or Alpha Trials, Nov. 26.

The submarine departed Newport News, Va., Nov. 24 to evaluate its seaworthiness and operational performance. New Mexico's Alpha Trials included diving to test depth, executing an emergency surfacing, and testing the ship's propulsion plant performance.

Successful completion of these sea trials is a significant step towards ensuring that New Mexico meets all specifications and is ready for delivery to the Navy, which is anticipated by the end of 2009, following completion of Bravo Sea Trials and the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey trials.

"New Mexico's successful completion of sea trials is a testament to the hard work of the Navy's shipbuilding team," said Capt. Michael Jabaley, Virginia Class program manager. "It is this partnership that has helped get New Mexico to where it is today, ahead of original contract schedule."

New Mexico is the sixth submarine of the Virginia Class and third that Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding will deliver. Delivery of the ship prior to the end of the year would be four months early to its contract delivery date.

When commissioned in early 2010, New Mexico will join the five subs of its class as flexible, multi-mission platforms designed to carry out the seven core competencies of the Submarine Force: anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; special operations forces; strike; irregular warfare; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; and mine warfare.

Navy to Christen Submarine New Mexico

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy will christen its newest attack submarine, New Mexico Dec. 13 during a ceremony at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Newport News, Va.

U.S. Rep. Heather A. Wilson of New Mexico will deliver the ceremony's principal address.

Designated SSN 779, New Mexico is named in recognition of the people of the 'Land of Enchantment'. The submarine began construction under a unique teaming arrangement between Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding and General Dynamics Electric Boat in 2004. The battleship New Mexico (BB-40) (1918-1946), the only other ship named after the 47th state, earned six battle stars for World War II service, which included providing shore bombardment support for landings in the Gilbert and Marshall Islands, and at Guam, Tinian, Saipan, the Philippines and Okinawa.

The sixth Virginia-class submarine, New Mexico is built to excel in anti-submarine warfare; anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; battle group support; and mine warfare missions . By doing so, New Mexico will directly enable five of the six Navy Maritime Strategy core capabilities – sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence.

Cmdr. Mark A. Prokopius, a native of Seven Hills, Ohio, is the prospective commanding officer and will lead a crew of approximately 134 officers and enlisted personnel.

The 7,800-ton New Mexico 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.