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U.S. Sub Christened in "Home" Port With a length of 377 ft. (114.9 m), a beam of 34 ft. (10.3 m) and a displace- ment of 7,800 tons, the Virginia, which is the first U.S. submarine designed to satisfy the requirements of regional and near-land missions in the post-Cold War era, was christened at Northrop Grumman Newport News on August 16, 2003. The ship is also designed with a reactor plant that will not require refuel- ing during the planned life of the ship - reducing life-cycle costs while increas- ing underway time. Unobtrusive, non-provocative and connected with land, air, sea and space- based assets, Virginia-class submarines will carry payloads that include special operations forces; unmanned undersea The Navy's newest and most advanced nuclear attack submarine, Virginia (SSN-774), moved out- doors for the first time on August 2, 2003 at General Dynamics Electric Boat shipyard. vehicles; mini-submarines to transport special operations personnel; and 38 weapons (torpedoes and Tomahawk cruise missiles). These capabilities will provide the U.S. Navy with continued dominance in coastal waters or the open ocean. The evolution of the new Virginia- Class began in 1998 when the U.S. Navy awarded a $4.2-billion contract for the construction of the first four ships in the class. With Virginia designated as the premiere ship, it was designed by Electric Boat, the Virginia class is being built jointly under a teaming arrange- ment between Electric Boat and Northrop Grumman Newport News. Circle 16 on Reader Service Card S00-242-SS71 > 734-662-5691 • FAX 734-662-6652 WWW.kilig-gage.
