NEWPORT NEWS, Va., June 20, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- NEWPORT NEWS, Va. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) celebrated a significant chapter in its history today as it delivered its first submarine to the U.S. Navy in a decade.
A photo accompanying this news release is available at: http://media.primezone.com/noc/
The nation's newest and most advanced nuclear-powered submarine, Texas (SSN 775), returned to the company's Newport News shipyard following the successful completion of its third and final round of builder's sea trials.
"Today is a proud moment for the shipbuilders of Newport News," said Becky Stewart, vice president for the submarine program at Northrop Grumman Newport News. "From the construction and planning teams to engineering and administration to our partners at Electric Boat and the U.S. Navy, there are many people who have worked on this great ship. Texas is a testament to their hard work, dedication and professional commitment."
Texas is the second ship of the Virginia class and is the first submarine delivered by Northrop Grumman since 1996.
Northrop Grumman 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. 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.
The first ship of the class, USS Virginia (SSN 774), was delivered in 2004. The keel for Texas was laid on July 12, 2002. The ship was christened by First Lady and Sponsor Laura Bush on July 31, 2004 and launched on April 9, 2005. The commissioning will be Sept. 9 in Galveston, Texas. For more information about the Texas, please visit www.nn.northropgrumman.com/texas.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense company headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif. Northrop Grumman provides a broad array of technologically advanced, innovative products, services and solutions in systems integration, defense electronics, information technology, advanced aircraft, shipbuilding, and space technology. The company has approximately 125,000 employees and operates in all 50 states and 25 countries and serves U.S. and international military, government and commercial customers.
