Texas returns from sea trials

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PCU Texas Returns From Sea Trials
Story Number]http://www.subcommittee.com/forum/web_060517-N-7544A-138.jpg[/img]

By Photographer’s Mate Airman Maddelin Angebrand, Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- The second Virginia-class submarine, PCU Texas (SSN 775) (PCU=Pre-Commissioned Unit), returned to Newport News after successfully conducting alpha sea trials, May 17.

The sea trials were conducted to ensure all systems are functioning properly prior to the commissioning of the boat. The objective is to run all operating systems to the fullest extent of their capabilities.

“We operated her through the full range of her maneuvering, diving and speed capabilities," said Capt. John J. Litherland, Texas’ prospective commanding officer. "She performed exactly as she is supposed to – no surprises. That is what we were looking for on these initial sea trials.”

Texas’ commissoning will bring new technologies to the fleet and an overall benefit to the Navy.

“The Texas brings some amazing new capabilities to the Navy,” said Litherland, “revolutionary new techniques in quieting that would make her one of the quietest submarines in the oceans.”

The process of introducing a new ship to the fleet faces many obstacles along the way.

“It’s a very long process building a new submarine," Litherland said. "In the Texas case, many of my crew have been here over four years preparing to bring the Texas to the fleet. With many of the new technologies come challenges, but we worked through all those and in the end succeeded.”

Training is a crucial part of making the sea trials a success.

“Taking a ship to sea for the first time is tough, but the crew’s training was evident," Adm. Kirkland H. Donald, director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion said. "They did a remarkable job, and I was very proud to be with them for the trials. We are a step closer to delivering a great ship to the fleet.”

For more news from around the fleet, visit www.navy.mil

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May 17, 2006, 8]http://media.primezone.com/cache/189/med/2974.jpg

© 2006

May 17, 2006, 8]http://media.primezone.com/cache/189/med/2974.jpg[/img]

© 2006 PRIMEZONE

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., May 17, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- The nation's newest and most advanced nuclear-powered submarine, Texas (SSN 775), returned to Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE]http://www.nn.northropgrumman.com/texas.[/url]

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense company headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif. Northrop Grumman provides technologically advanced, innovative products, services and solutions in systems integration, defense electronics, information technology, advanced aircraft, shipbuilding and space technology. With approximately 125,000 employees and operations in all 50 states and 25 countries, Northrop Grumman serves U.S. and international military, government and commercial customers.

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[PaulC]

Man, those photonics masts are

Man, those photonics masts are big ugly dudes -- which make for great modeling subjects.

[tmsmalley]

Here's a little different angle

Here's a little different angle for the masts...