Team Infidel
Forum Spin Doctor
Newport News Daily Press
January 23, 2009
NEWPORT NEWS -- The submarine New Mexico reached a major milestone early this week when workers at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding's Newport News shipyard flooded a floating dry dock, officially launching the ship into the James River.
The sub, which was christened in December, was moved from an indoor outfitting facility late last week and floated on Sunday. Northrop didn't announce the launch until today.
Once in the water, tugboats moved the 377-foot, 7,800-ton sub into the yard's submarine pier where final outfitting and testing will take place.
The New Mexico, the sixth boat of the Virginia class, is scheduled to be delivered to the U.S. Navy in August, eight months ahead of schedule.
"Launching a ship is always a proud moment for the shipbuilders and crew," said Becky Stewart, vice president of the yard's submarine building program, in a release.
Cmdr. Mark Prokopius, the New Mexico's prospective commanding officer, called the launch "a significant milestone."
"...Launch brought with it a sense of accomplishment, a feeling of being operational and renewed energy," he said.
--Peter Frost, Daily Press
January 23, 2009
NEWPORT NEWS -- The submarine New Mexico reached a major milestone early this week when workers at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding's Newport News shipyard flooded a floating dry dock, officially launching the ship into the James River.
The sub, which was christened in December, was moved from an indoor outfitting facility late last week and floated on Sunday. Northrop didn't announce the launch until today.
Once in the water, tugboats moved the 377-foot, 7,800-ton sub into the yard's submarine pier where final outfitting and testing will take place.
The New Mexico, the sixth boat of the Virginia class, is scheduled to be delivered to the U.S. Navy in August, eight months ahead of schedule.
"Launching a ship is always a proud moment for the shipbuilders and crew," said Becky Stewart, vice president of the yard's submarine building program, in a release.
Cmdr. Mark Prokopius, the New Mexico's prospective commanding officer, called the launch "a significant milestone."
"...Launch brought with it a sense of accomplishment, a feeling of being operational and renewed energy," he said.
--Peter Frost, Daily Press