| No. 594-98 | ||
| (703)695-0192(media) | ||
| IMMEDIATE RELEASE | November 13, 1998 | (703)697-5737(public/industry) |
Secretary of the Navy John H. Dalton announced his decision today to name the second submarine of the Virginia-class for the state of Texas.
"USS Texas (SSN 775) will serve with distinction in our submarine force and will carry on the great maritime traditions of its predecessors," said Dalton. "Texans have always been innovators, patriots and leaders, and the crew of Texas will showcase those traits, as well as our core values of honor, courage and commitment, well into the 21st century."
| This will be the fourth ship to bear the name Texas, and will be built at Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co. in Newport News, Va., joining the fleet in 2005. | |
Virginia-class submarines will be able to attack targets ashore with highly accurate Tomahawk cruise missiles and conduct covert long-term surveillance of land areas, littoral waters or other naval forces. Other missions include anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, special forces delivery and support, and mine delivery and minefield mapping. With enhanced communications connectivity, these submarines will also provide important battle group and joint force support, with full integration into carrier battle group operations.
The Virginia-class of attack submarines surpasses the performance of any current or projected threat submarine, ensuring U.S. undersea dominance well into the next century.
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Nov1998/b11131998_bt594-98.html