First Lady will christen sub in NN [Laura Bush christens USS Texas July 31]

Newport News, VA Daily Press ^ | July 20, 2004 | Peter DuJardin

[Al B.]

NEWPORT NEWS -- First lady Laura Bush will christen the shipyard's newest submarine July 31 at a morning event on the banks of the James River, Northrop Grumman Newport News said Monday. The Texas, known as SSN (submersible ship nuclear) 775, is the second boat in the Virginia class, a new group of nuclear-powered attack submarines that eventually could consist of 30 ships. That boat is the first of the class to be getting its christening in Newport News. During the traditional event, which celebrates the official naming of the submarine as the Texas, Lone Star State native Laura Bush will strike a champagne bottle against the boat's hull. U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) will deliver the keynote address.

higher resolution image The Texas made its first voyage – on land – Saturday, July 17 as part of its roll-out from the Modular Outfitting Facility in preparation for the July 31 christening ceremony. Photo by Chris Oxley

[ken5050]

Laura's great..glad she's going..but, BUT..they should ALSO send the dynamtie twins..I'm sure the crew would love to see them..

[bondjamesbond]

What's with the funky hull blisters and fin arrangement? And that bow mounted sonar looks like it is designed for shallow water work. Is that a lateral thruster mounted midships? I don't know if the mission for this boat is going to be the traditional hunter/killer role.

[Belisaurius]

Submarines are today's capital ships, that's why they get the names of states.

[neversweat]

I suspect the 'funkey blisters' are side-looking sonar domes. In the sixties we were playing with 3D sonar that could display weld beads on a hull. I can imagine what they have today.

Those 'funky fins' are for finer control in high speed turns. A boat this fast will bank in a turn just like an airplane.

I don't see a lateral thruster, but I do see a bow plane. The boats I was on (35 years ago) had an 'outboard motor' that extended from the keel for lateral thrust.

The old BB's have been obsolete for a lot of years. The new 'fast attacks' are replacing that role which may have something to do with naming them after states. The boats I was on were 'boomers' named after dead presidents. They were the biggest submersibles we had in those days. The Russians had bigger, but even my boats seemed almost as big as the Missouri when she tied up across the pier one time. The Texas would dwarf those boats, and I suspect even the Missouri.

[humblegunner]

Texas ping.

[thackney]

Taking "Don't mess with Texas" to a whole new level.

[Squantos]

Wow ..... where can one buy , barter, beg or burgle such a pin or decal ?

Gotta have that one !!!.............Stay safe !

[Txslady]

http://www.usstexasbb35.com/ssn_775.htm

:o)

[humblegunner]

Wow ..... where can one buy , barter, beg or burgle such a pin or decal ?

You mean my new wallpaper???

[TexConfederate1861]

You are absolutely correct!

Former Crew Member, U.S.S. Sunfish SSN-649

[Squantos]

HUA !!!

[The South Texan]

That Rocks!!!!!

[Al B.]

Ping

[TexConfederate1861]

I would like to know why the diving planes are no longer on the sail.........? (aka Conning tower)

[Tailback]

If we told you, we'd have to kill you. Loose lips sink ships.

[Liberty Valance]

A great First Lady to Christen a great new Submarine and thanks Txslady for the cool graphic. I've got a new backgrounbd for my desk top now :o)

YeeeeHaaaww - The USS TEXAS!

[Chode]

They are retractable.

[bondjamesbond]

I was having a 3-D perception problem with the diving planes, and they looked like a thruster to me. That explains it.

Retractable, huh? This sub is going to have an interesting life, methinks...

[Eaker]

Beauty!!

[sukhoi-30mki]

I read a rather strange internet article saying that the USN is showing renewed interest in developing intermediate range ballistic missiles (upto 3,500kms range)or tactical ballistic missiles with a range of upto 1000kms based on the US army ATACM system.The reason being that the Ohio class SSBNs are not getting younger &given the massive conventional&nuclear superiority that US forces enjoy, a IRBM is more cost effective than an ICBM.It mentioned the Arleigh Burke,DDX class surface ships&Virginia class subs as potential carriers-giving greater mission flexibility than current fleet systems.

Ive also read rather more solid reports that India &Russia are also interested in IRBM range missiles or cruise missiles with a range of upto 1,500kms for their nuclear submarines-reducing the differences between the SSBN&SSN.