The nation's newest and most advanced nuclear-powered attack submarine, Missouri (SSN-780), returned to the Electric Boat shipyard today following the successful completion of its first voyage in open seas, called alpha sea trials. Missouri is the seventh ship of the Virginia Class, the most capable class of attack submarines ever built. Electric Boat is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics.
Missouri's alpha sea trials included a range of submarine and propulsion-plant operations, submerging for the first time, and high-speed runs on and below the surface to demonstrate that the ship's propulsion plant is fully mission-capable.
The sea trials were directed by U.S. Navy Adm. Kirkland Donald, director – Naval Nuclear Propulsion. Also participating in the sea trials were Rear Adm. William Hilarides, program executive officer – Submarines; Rear Adm. Michael McLaughlin, commander – Submarine Group Two; Capt. Leslie Elkin, supervisor of shipbuilding in Groton; and John P. Casey, president of Electric Boat. Missouri is commanded by Cmdr. Timothy A. Rexrode.
"The crew and shipbuilders worked together seamlessly to take this submarine to sea and put it through its paces," said Electric Boat President John P. Casey. "It was a superb effort by everyone involved, and reflects the commitment of the Navy/industry team to sustain the success of the Virginia-class submarine program. I deeply appreciate the contributions made by the Navy personnel, shipbuilders and suppliers who made it happen."
Electric Boat and its major subcontractor, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, have received contracts to build the first 18 submarines of a planned 30-ship Virginia Class under a teaming agreement that splits the construction workload between the two shipyards.
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