Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) delivered the sixth submarine
of the Virginia class, New Mexico (SSN 779), to the U.S. Navy today,
four months ahead of schedule. New Mexico's 70-month construction
period represents the shortest overall construction time of any
Virginia-class submarine.
"New Mexico's delivery is a reflection of the commitment, dedication
and hard work of the shipbuilders at Newport News, our Electric Boat
partners and the Navy," said Becky Stewart, vice president for Northrop
Grumman Shipbuilding's submarine program. "We delivered her in record
time, using one million fewer man-hours than her predecessor USS North
Carolina (SSN 777). Our shipbuilders are focused on meeting safety,
quality, cost and schedule commitments. The progress we've made in the
Virginia-class submarine program demonstrates their personal ownership
in building the finest submarines in the world."
The keel for New Mexico was authenticated April 12, 2008, and the ship
was christened on Dec. 13, 2008. New Mexico, named for "The Land of
Enchantment," is the most modern and sophisticated attack submarine in
the world, providing undersea supremacy well into the 21st century.
Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding is teamed with General Dynamics Electric
Boat to build the first 18 ships of the Virginia class. Current plans
call for 30 Virginia-class submarines in the fleet. Using millions of
parts from over 4,000 suppliers in 47 states and the District of
Columbia, Virginia-class submarines incorporate dozens of new
technologies and innovations and are the first major combatants
designed with the post-Cold War security environment in mind. For more
information about the New Mexico, please visit http://www.sb.northropgrumman.com/vcs/ (Original News)