By KRWG News
New Mexico – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) delivered the sixth submarine of the Virginia class, New Mexico (SSN 779), to the U.S. Navy, four months ahead
of schedule. New Mexico's 70-month construction period represents the
shortest overall construction time of any Virginia-class submarine.
"New Mexico's delivery is a reflection of the commitment,
dedication and hard work of the shipbuilders at Newport News, our
Electric Boat partners and the Navy," said Becky Stewart, vice
president for Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding's submarine program. "We
delivered her in record time, using one million fewer man-hours than
her predecessor USS North Carolina (SSN 777). Our shipbuilders are
focused on meeting safety, quality, cost and schedule commitments. The
progress we've made in the Virginia-class submarine program
demonstrates their personal ownership in building the finest submarines
in the world."
The keel for New Mexico was authenticated April 12, 2008, and
the ship was christened on Dec. 13, 2008. Northrop Grumman says the New Mexico, named for "The Land of Enchantment," is the most modern and sophisticated attack
submarine in the world, providing undersea supremacy well into the 21st
century.