Days before the christening ceremony for Texas, Commanding Officer for the Texas Pre-Commissioning Unit Cmdr. John J. Litherland described a feeling of excitement about the event. “We’re honored to have the first lady give the ship its name. It’s a great name and it has a great legacy and we look forward to carrying that legacy into the future,” he said.

Though the ship has yet to go to sea, Litherland experienced his first underway in early July when shipbuilders rolled the submarine out from its protective cover of the massive 10-story Module Outfitting Facility. “My first underway was 200 yards on wheels as the submarine rolled out of the MOF at four feet per minute. But it was still pretty exciting,” said Litherland, who predicts a secure future for USS Texas and its crew.

“I talk to shipyard workers everyday and tell them that the work they do will leave a legacy for 40 years. Generations of sailors depend on the quality of their work. My children and grandchildren might sail on this ship and theirs might too,” Litherland said. “I’m no fortune teller, but I’ve seen a lot of changes in my 20 years and know that change will remain the one constant. But with Texas’ stealth and endurance, we’ll be able to meet the challenges of the future, just as the great ships of Newport News have always done.”

Electronics Technician 3rd Class Jorel Taruc said it’s great feeling for him to be a part of PCU Texas and operate a new submarine equipped with advanced warfare technology. “To be so young and be my first boat, I feel fortunate to be here,” he said. “This is amazing for a junior sailor to see because we get to see the submarine in its newest form when not everything is built yet.” He joined the crew in March 2004 and since then participated in a great deal of interactive computerized training programs that simulate the submarine in operation. He said the christening is an event he will never forget. “It’s my first boat so I want to be there for everything. The christening is like a baby taking his first steps. It’s another step in becoming operational.” He described the crew as a tight-knit group that is well equipped and proud to serve the nation. “I’m excited to get on the boat and put it in the water,” he said. “I will feel a lot of pride. There’s a lot we can do with this highly advanced submarine.”

Fire Control Technician Senior Chief Marty Ledesma joined the Texas PCU in the summer of 2003. “Even from when I saw her less than a year ago, it has come a long way,” he said of the submarine. Being a part of a crew during the construction is a great experience. Sailors learn a lot about the ship by working close with shipbuilders. “We’ll do nothing but test systems and make sure they work correctly. If we didn’t have the partnership between ourselves and the shipyard, we wouldn’t understand how the pieces fit together. It gives you a more in-depth knowledge. It’s pretty exciting.” He said he looks forward to the future now. “I’m excited about all of the operations this submarine will be capable of. It’s a spectacular boat.”

Electrician’s Mate First Class Petty Officer Tom Schultz said when he joined the Texas PCU at the end of 2001, Texas didn’t even look like a boat. “It’s great to see it from the ground up,” he said. While Texas came together, he took part in training, particularly in nuclear training, and then supported shipyard testing of systems. “We’re working hand in hand,” he said. “It has been a great experience.” Schultz, a Lubbock, Texas native, said being a native of the lone star state is one of the main reasons he wanted to join the Texas PCU. “I did everything I could to be here. I’m glad I’m here.”

General Dynamics Electric Boat photo

The Texas crew has spent a great deal of time training to operate the world’s most sophisticated submarine. Some of them are pictured during training in June at the Command and Control Off-Hull Assembly and Test Site, which is at the General Dynamics Electric Boat Groton, Conn., shipyard. From foreground to background, they are STS3(SS) Jeffrey Wansart, STS2(SS) Patrick Douglas, STS1(SS) Michael Granito, and STSC(SS) Sam Boyd. To the right is STSC(SS) Harris.

General Dynamics Electric Boat photo

From foreground to background are STS1(SS) Gregory Casper, STS1(SS) Michael Granite and
STS2(SS) Patrick Douglas. On the left (foreground to background) are ET3 Trenton Whalon and
FT1(SS) Sellers.

U.S. Navy photo

MT1(SS) Robert Hobel (standing), an instructor from the Naval Submarine School in Connecticut, is pictured with ETC(SS) Gregg Woods at Virginia Ships Control Trainer.

U.S. Navy photo

The Texas pre-commissioning unit has traveled to such places as Rhode Island and New York for training at special schools. That has included learning to maneuver the submarine at the Virginia Ships Control Trainer at the Naval Submarine School in Groton, Conn. Pictured are STSCS(SS) Samuel Boyd (foreground) and ETC(SS) Gregg Woods training there in June.