Posted on 08/26/2006 8:42:31 AM PDT by george76
The Navy debuted its newest nuclear-powered submarine Friday in an Atlantic Ocean swing off the Florida coast, the second in the latest fast-attack class that marks a broad departure from the Cold War-era deterrence boats.
The Texas, which will officially earn a "USS" designator in a commissioning ceremony in two weeks, weighs 7,800 tons, measures 377 feet long and can remain submerged on covert surveillance up to three months. It travels faster than 25 knots underwater and dives farther than 800 feet.
"It's much more effective than any ship I've been on before," said Capt. John Litherland, who has been on more than 50.
"It's not the fastest, but the difference is that it's quiet even at its top speed."
Perhaps the biggest improvement is the ability to travel with a small special forces submarine, nine commandos and their gear. Previous subs would have carried only three Navy SEALS.
That kind of space is premium on a vessel designed to hide and spend most of its life underwater.
Its maximum time submerged is limited only by the amount of food it can carry, because the boat generates its own power and oxygen.
Sailors sleep twelve to a room, on 6 1/2-foot beds with about 3 feet of top-to-bottom sleeping space, the 4-inch deep compartment under it the only place to stow belongings.
That's why they spent four weeks in basic training learning how to fold, crew members joke.
And they've grown to carry less stuff, after training to spend up to six months at a time in the middle of the ocean.
(Excerpt) Read more at examiner.com ...
This is not a large sub.
The Texas prepares to dock at the Naval Ordinance Test Unit at Cape Canaveral, Fla., Friday, Aug. 25, 2006.
The Texas, which will officially earn a 'USS' designator in a commissioning ceremony in two weeks, weighs 7,800 tons, measures 377 feet long and can remain submerged on covert surveillance up to three months.
But I bet it has some serious bite. How about doing sea trials and ordinance trials in the Persian Gulf. OOOOOOPPPPS that nuke tipped missile went off course and slammed into Irans new toy nuclear reactor. the French can rebuild it.
377 feet is pretty good size. It's about 20 feet longer than the Los Angeles class and the first two Seawolfs. And about 80 feet shorter than the Carter.
Anyone know what she will be named?
(is "she" correct for a sub? I know they are called "boats" and not ships.")
But can ya water ski offa the back?
God Bless them and God Speed
The Texas.
Surprising they would admit anything over 300 feet. Used to be 300 feet, which meant if the sub stood on its nose the tail could be sticking out of the water while the nose was below crush depth. They used to admit 35 knots also.
Missing the middle section where the Trident tubes are supposed to be. That's what I am used to. If I walked from the aft to the bow I would be disoriented by arriving too soon.
There are several looter guys.
ht to humblegunner
Looter man is everywhere.
Speaking as a former black shoe I thought all you bubbleheads were somewhat eccentric to begin with. Why anyone would take a perfectly good ship and deliberately sink it with the crew on board alway beat me.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.