Free Republic

For the past five years a group of dedicated New Mexicans have worked to secure New Mexico the name of the Navy’s newest Virginia-class attack submarine. On Saturday, that happened at a ceremony in Norfolk, Virginia. The USS New Mexico was officially commissioned by the United States Navy. The 134 man crew boarded the $2.3 billion sub after it was deemed ready for combat duty. The USS New Mexico won’t only carry the Land of Enchantment’s name, curtains on the bunks are made from Native American prints, and one New Mexico congressman says there are some more pieces of New...

The U.S. Navy is facing a temporary SSN (nuclear attack submarine) shortage, and there is no solution that will not involve some pain. The problem is that new Virginia class subs cannot be built quickly enough to replace all the Cold War era Los Angeles class boats that have to retire. Even that will be delayed, at least for 16 Los Angeles class subs, that will get enough refurb to keep them at sea for up to two more years. Meanwhile, many of the shipyards used to build all those Los Angeles class boats, were discarded as part of the...

The first of the UK's new generation of nuclear-powered attack submarines has been unveiled in Cumbria by the Duchess of Cornwall. Due to enter service in 2009, BAE Systems' Astute is the most advanced submarine of its kind and comes bristling with the very latest in military technology. BAE said: "With a radar signature equivalent to a dolphin, it can remain undetected thousands of miles from home and hundreds of metres underwater. "In the right conditions it can detect the QE2 leaving New York harbour from the English Channel." its key asset is its stealth. Even with a nuclear reactor...

Lord, Keep our Troops forever in Your care Give them victory over the enemy... Grant them a safe and swift return... Bless those who mourn the lost. . FReepers from the Foxhole join in prayer for all those serving their country at this time. ...................................................................................... ........................................... U.S. Military History, Current Events and Veterans Issues Where Duty, Honor and Countryare acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated. Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should feel...