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March 25, 2010

By Lauren King
The Virginian-Pilot
© March 25, 2010

NORFOLK

The Navy will commission the newest Virginia-class attack submarine New Mexico Saturday during a ceremony at Norfolk Naval Station.

The New Mexico will be the sixth Virginia-class submarine, according to a Submarine Group Two news release. The 7,800-ton New Mexico was built by Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding and General Dynamics Electric Boat.

Only the second ship named for the 47th state, the New Mexico is 377 feet long, has a 34-foot beam and will be able to dive at depths greater than 800 feet and operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots while submerged. It was designed with a reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship, the news release said.

A battleship was also named New Mexico from 1918 to 1946. It earned six battle stars for service in World War II.

The submarine commissioning ceremony begins Saturday at 11 a.m. Visit PilotOnline.com to watch the live streaming video and to read and see images from the ceremony.

A color poster of the New Mexico will also be available in Saturday’s Virginian-Pilot or for sale online at the Virginian-Pilot Photo Store.