11 December 2001
Secretary of the Navy Richard Danzig announced his
decision today to name the fourth submarine of the
Virginia-class for the state of North Carolina.
"More than half a century has elapsed since a
U.S. Navy ship has borne the name, "North
Carolina," said Danzig. "With over two
thousand of North Carolina's sons and daughters having
joined the Navy and Marine Corps this year and more
than forty-five thousand sailors and Marines currently
serving in the state, I find it more than fitting to
honor this great state and its brave sons and
daughters by naming our newest fast attack submarine,
the "North Carolina.""
This will be the fourth ship of the Navy to carry the
name North Carolina. The original was USS North
Carolina (1820 - 1836), the second (ACR 12) (1908 -
1921), and the third (BB 55) (1940 - 1947). North
Carolina received 12 battle stars for World War II
service.
North Carolina (SSN 777) will be built by General
Dynamics Electric Boat Division in Groton, Conn., and
Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Va., and
will join the fleet in December 2006.
This next-generation attack submarine, the Virginia
class, will provide the Navy with the capabilities it
requires to maintain the nation's undersea supremacy
well into the 21st century.
North Carolina will have improved stealth,
sophisticated surveillance capabilities and special
warfare enhancements that will enable it to meet the
Navy's multi-mission requirements.
Virginia class submarines are able to attack targets
ashore with highly accurate Tomahawk cruise missiles
and conduct covert
long-term surveillance of land areas, littoral waters
or other sea-based 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,
the submarine also will provide important battle group
and joint task force support, with full integration
into carrier battle group operations.
General characteristics information on the Virginia
class submarine can be found at
http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/factfile/ships/ship-ssn.html.
