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The floating dry dock holding Texas
slowly fills with water before the submarine is
launched into the James River on April 9. Once
in the water, tugboats moved Texas to
the shipyard’s submarine pier, where final
outfitting and testing will take place.
(Photo by Chris Oxley)
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James Holland,
an employee in Newport News' Fitters Dept. (X11),
uses a surveyor's transit to find the centerline
on Texas before the submarine's official
launch.
(Photo by John Whalen)
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NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – April 11, 2005 – Northrop
Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) reached a construction
milestone on April 9 by launching the second Virginia-class
submarine, Texas (SSN 775). This was the company’s
first submarine launching in nearly a decade.
Northrop Grumman's Newport News sector is teamed with
General Dynamics Electric Boat to build the first 10
ships of the Virginia class. Current plans
call for 30 Virginia-class submarines in the
fleet. The first ship of the class, the USS Virginia
(SSN 774) was delivered on Oct. 12, 2004. Virginia
is the first major combatant delivered to the U.S. Navy
that was designed with the post-Cold War security environment
in mind.
Becky Stewart, vice president of submarine programs
for Northrop Grumman Newport News, was among 150 employees
and 40 sailors who participated in the launch. “Watching
Texas take her first journey into the water
was an exciting event for all of the people who have
been involved in constructing the ship,” Stewart
said. “It’s a milestone that the entire
team, shipbuilders and crew members, have been working
hard to achieve. This crucial accomplishment is a testament
to the great talent, skill and dedication of our employees
and the Texas crew.”
Preparations for the launch began April 6 when the
sector’s floating dry dock, a transportable dock
used to launch and dock ships, moved into position behind
the Texas. The following morning a transfer
car system raised the 7,800-ton submarine off its keel
blocks and transported it 500 feet to the floating dry
dock. On April 8, the floating dry dock, with Texas
on board, moved into launch position and shipyard employees
and Texas crew members completed final launch
preparations. On April 9 the floating dry dock began
to slowly fill with water and after seven hours, Northrop
Grumman Newport News successfully launched Texas
into the James River. Once in the water, tugboats moved
Texas to the shipyard’s submarine pier
where final outfitting and testing will take place.
Captain John Litherland, Prospective Commanding Officer
of the Pre-Commissioning Unit Texas, rode in
Texas’ sail as it touched water for the
first time. “It’s great to finally get the
Texas into the water, her natural environment,”
said Litherland. “My crew and I are excited about
achieving this significant milestone, and look forward
to continuing our joint efforts with the men and women
of Northrop Grumman Newport News to complete the construction
and testing of this great ship and take her to sea.”
Texas is the second ship of the Virginia
class. With improved stealth, sophisticated surveillance
capabilities and special warfare enhancements, it will
provide undersea supremacy well into the 21st century.
The keel for Texas was laid on July 12, 2002
and the ship was christened on July 31, 2004. First
Lady Laura Bush is the ship’s sponsor and attended
both ceremonies. The ship is scheduled to be delivered
in 2006. For more information about the Texas, please
visit www.nn.northropgrumman.com/texas.
Northrop Grumman Newport News, headquartered in Newport
News, Va., is the nation's sole designer, builder and
refueler of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and one
of only two companies capable of designing and building
nuclear-powered submarines. Newport News also provides
after-market services for a wide array of naval and
commercial vessels. The Newport News sector employs
about 19,000 people.
CONTACT:
Jerri Fuller Dickseski
Northrop Grumman Newport News
757-380-2341
Jerri.Dickseski@ngc.com
