Navy Photos of Virginia Class Nuclear Submarines

The Los Angeles class fast attack submarine USS Hampton (SSN 767) passes the Navy's newest submarine, PCU Virginia (SSN 774) at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Virginia is the Navy's only major combatant ready to join the fleet that was designed with the post-Cold War security environment in mind and embodies the war fighting and operational capabilities required to dominate the littorals while maintaining undersea dominance in the open ocean. Virginia will be commissioned at Norfolk Naval Station on October 22, 2004. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Christina M. Shaw

The nation's newest and most advanced nuclear-powered attack submarine PCU Virginia (SSN 774) passes the skyline of Portsmouth, Va., on its the way to Norfolk Naval Shipyard upon completion of Bravo sea trials. Virginia is the Navy's only major combatant ready to join the fleet that was designed with the post-Cold War security environment in mind and embodies the war fighting and operational capabilities required to dominate the littorals while maintaining undersea dominance in the open ocean. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Christina M. Shaw.

USS North Carolina, SSN 777, rollout from module outfitting facility. (Photo by John Whalen.)

Groton, Conn. (Aug. 3, 2003) - The U.S. Navy's newest and most advanced nuclear-powered attack submarine and the lead ship of its class, PCU Virginia (SSN 774) is moved outdoors for the first time at the General Dynamics Electric Boat shipyard. Virginia is the Navy's only major combatant ready to join the fleet that was designed with the post-Cold War security environment in mind and embodies the war fighting and operational capabilities required to dominate the littorals while maintaining undersea dominance in the open ocean. Virginia and the rest of the ships of its class are designed specifically to incorporate emergent technologies that will provide new capabilities to meet new threats. U.S. Navy photo by General Dynamics Electric Boat.

Groton, Conn. (Aug. 5, 2003) -- The Navy's newest and most advanced submarine, Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Virginia (SSN 774) moved out doors for the first time in preparation for her Aug. 16 christening. Photo courtesy Electric Boat.

Groton, Conn. (Aug. 5, 2003) -- The Navy's newest and most advanced submarine, Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Virginia (SSN 774) moved out doors for the first time in preparation for her Aug. 16 christening. Photo courtesy Electric Boat.

The U.S. Navy's newest and most advanced nuclear-powered attack submarine and the lead ship of its class, PCU Virginia (SSN 774) is moved outdoors for the first time at the General Dynamics Electric Boat shipyard. Virginia is the Navy's only major combatant ready to join the fleet that was designed with the post-Cold War security environment in mind and embodies the war fighting and operational capabilities required to dominate the littorals while maintaining undersea dominance in the open ocean. Virginia and the rest of the ships of its class are designed specifically to incorporate emergent technologies that will provide new capabilities to meet new threats. U.S. Navy photo by General Dynamics Electric Boat.

Virginia (SSN-774), the nation's newest and most advanced nuclear-powered attack submarine and the lead ship of its class, returns to the General Dynamics Electric Boat shipyard in Groton, Conn., July 30, following the successful completion of its first voyage in open seas -- called "alpha" sea trials. Virginia is the Navy's only major combatant ready to join the fleet that was designed with the post-Cold War security environment in mind and embodies the warfighting and operational capabilities required to dominate the littorals while maintaining undersea dominance in the open ocean.

"Nuclear submarines provide a unique contribution to our nation's security and will be increasingly important in the decades ahead," said Electric Boat President John Casey. "The Virginia and the rest of the ships of its class are designed specifically to incorporate emergent technologies that will provide new capabilities to meet new threats."

Virginia will be delivered to the U.S. Navy this fall.

The nation's newest and most advanced nuclear-powered attack submarine and the lead ship of its class, PCU Virginia (SSN 774) returns to the General Dynamics Electric Boat shipyard following the successful completion of its first voyage in open seas called "alpha" sea trials. Virginia is the Navy's only major combatant ready to join the fleet that was designed with the post-Cold War security environment in mind and embodies the war fighting and operational capabilities required to dominate the littorals while maintaining undersea dominance in the open ocean. Virginia and the rest of the ships of its class are designed specifically to incorporate emergent technologies that will provide new capabilities to meet new threats. Virginia will be delivered to the U.S. Navy this fall. U.S. Navy photo by General Dynamics Electric Boat.

USS Virginia (SSN 774) comes into port at Naval Station Norfolk in preparation for its commissioning on October 23. Virginia is the U.S. Navy's newest submarine, and the first Navy ship with a post-Cold War mission in mind.

USS Virginia (SSN 774) comes into port at Naval Station Norfolk in preparation for its commissioning on October 23. Virginia is the U.S. Navy's newest submarine, and the first Navy ship with a post-Cold War mission in mind.

USS Virginia (SSN 774) ties into port at Naval Station Norfolk in preparation for its commissioning on October 23. Virginia is the U.S. Navy's newest submarine, and the first Navy ship with a post-Cold War mission in mind.

PCU Texas (SSN 775) sails past the Coast Guard cutter Sea Horse (WPB 87361). The fast-attack submarine returned to the Northrop Gumman Newport News, Va. shipyards after successfully completing alpha sea trials to test the boat's capabilities. Texas is the second Virginia-class submarine, the first major U.S. Navy combatant vessel class designed with the post-Cold War security environment in mind. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Apprentice Patrick Gearhiser

The Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Texas (SSN 775) sails into the Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyards with assistance of three tugboats after successfully completing its alpha sea trials. Texas is the second Virginia-class submarine, the first major U.S. Navy combatant vessel class designed with the post-Cold War security environment in mind. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Apprentice Patrick Gearhiser

The Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Texas (SSN 775) sails into the Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyards after successfully completing alpha sea trials. Texas is the second Virginia-class submarine, the first major U.S. Navy combatant vessel class designed with the post-Cold War security environment in mind. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Maddelin Angebrand

The Virginia-class submarine North Carolina, SSN 777, under construction at Northrop Grumman Newport News. Photo by John Whalen

The guided missile submarine USS Florida (SSGN 728) comes to Naval Station Norfolk to make a brief stop for passengers during sea trials off the coast of Virginia. Florida will be delivered to the Fleet in April, and a Return To Service ceremony is scheduled for May 25 in Mayport, Fla. As the second of four SSBN submarines to be converted to SSGN, this nuclear-powered submarine will have the capability to: launch up to 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles; conduct sustained special warfare operations with up to 102 Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel for short durations or 66 SOF personnel for sustained operations; and provide approximately 70 percent operational availability forward deployed in support of combatant mission requirements. U.S. Navy photo by Dave Fliesen.

The Pre Commissioning Unit (PCU) Texas (SSN 775) prepares to get underway from Naval Station Norfolk. Texas is the second Virginia-class submarine built and the first major U.S. Navy combatant vessel class designed with the post-Cold War security environment in mind. Texas will be commissioned Sept 9, 2006. The ceremony is scheduled to take place in Galveston, Texas. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kelvin Edwards

Sailors stationed aboard the Pre Commissioning Unit (PCU) Texas (SSN 775) stand topside as she gets underway from Naval Station Norfolk. Texas is the second Virginia-class submarine built and the first major U.S. Navy combatant vessel class designed with the post-Cold War security environment in mind. Texas will be commissioned Sept 9, 2006. The ceremony is scheduled to take place in Galveston, Texas. U.S. Navy photo by Kelvin Edwards.

The USS Texas (SSN 775) is guided into port by local tug-boats near Port Canaveral. U.S. Navy photo by Roadell Hickman

The USS Texas (SSN 775) is guided into port by local tug-boats near Port Canaveral. U.S. Navy photo Roadell Hickman

The USS Texas (SSN 775) is guided into port by local tug-boats near Port Canaveral. U.S. Navy photo by Roadell Hickman

The USS Texas (SSN 775) is guided into port by local tug-boats near Port Canaveral. U.S. Navy photo by Roadell Hickman

The USS Texas (SSN 775) heads out to sea with group of local and national journalist. On the day outing giving the riders and idea first hand the boats capabilities. Lt. Junior Grade Darrin Barber is OOD/Officer of the Deck. The boat was heading to sea. U.S. Navy photo by Roadell Hickman

Past leads the present into the future. The tall ship ELISSA, that has sailed in three centuries, leads the Navy's newest submarine the USS Texas (SSN 775) up the channel into Port Galveston, Texas. The USS Texas, the second of the Virginia class submarines designed after the cold war specifically for the challenges of the 21st century, arrived for its commissioning to be held Saturday September 9. U.S. Navy photo by Roadell Hickman

The USS Texas (SSN 775) arrives in Galveston, TX, for her commissioning on Saturday, September. She is assisted in getting pierside by harbor tugboats where family members and friends await their arrival. U.S. Navy photo by Roadell Hickman.

The USS Virginia (SSN 774), snow covered and moored to the pier, at SUBASE New London. (U.S. Navy photo by John Narewski)

Crew member of PCU Hawaii (SSN 776) paint the boat at Submarine Base New London. PCU Hawaii is set to be commissioned on Saturday, May 5th at Submarine Base New London. (U.S. Navy Photo by John Narewski)

Crew of USS North Carolina (SSN 777) render salutes as the ship is “brought to life” at its commissioning May 3, at the Port of Wilmington, N.C. North Carolina is fourth Virginia-class attack submarine. U.S. Navy photo by Lucy M. Quinn

Sailors "man the ship" and officially bring the newest Virginia-class nuclear attack submarine USS North Carolina (SSN 777) to life during her commissioning ceremony. North Carolina is the fourth Virginia-class submarine to be commissioned and the first major U.S. Navy combatant vessel class designed with the post-Cold War security environment in mind. North Carolina will be homeported in Groton, Conn., as a member of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. U.S. Navy photo by Kelvin Edwards

Submarine veterans, retired Battleship North Carolina Alumni and some 6,000 attendees witness the commissioning of the newest Virginia-class nuclear attack submarine USS North Carolina (SSN 777). North Carolina is the fourth Virginia-class submarine to be commissioned and the first major U.S. Navy combatant vessel class designed with the post-Cold War security environment in mind. North Carolina will be homeported in Groton, Conn., as a member of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. U.S. Navy photo by Kelvin Edwards

The Virginia-class submarine USS North Carolina (SSN 777) pulls into Naval Station Norfolk's Pier 3 following a brief underway period. North Carolina was commissioned in Wilmington, N.C. on May 3, 2008. (U.S. Navy Photo by Kelvin Edwards)

PCU New Hampshire (SSN 778) makes her way down the Thames River for the first times as she embarks on Alpha Sea Trails. New Hampshire is the fifth Virginia Class submarine built and is set to be commissioned this fall. (U.S. Navy Photo by John Narewski)

The Virginia class attack submarine USS North Carolina (SSN 777) rests at Naval Station Norfolk’s Pier 3 during a change of command ceremony. Capt. Mark Davis, who commissioned the boat on May 3, 2008 in Wilmington, N.C., was relieved by Cmdr. Wes Schlauder. (U.S. Navy photo by Xander Gamble)

Crew members from the Virginia-class attack submarine USS New Hampshire (SSN 778) practice manning the ship during a commissioning ceremony rehearsals at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. New Hampshire will be commissioned Saturday, Oct. 25 during a ceremony at Portsmouth. New Hampshire is the fifth submarine in the Virginia class, the first major U.S. Navy combatant vessel class designed with the post-Cold War security environment in mind. (U.S. Navy photo by Roadell Hickman)

Smoke wafts through the air as honors are rendered to U.S. Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH) during the commissioning ceremony for the Virginia-class attack submarine USS New Hampshire (SSN 778) at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Gregg served as the principal speaker for the ceremony. More than 3,500 were in attendance at the ceremony held at the Navy’s first shipyard. New Hampshire is the fifth Virginia-class submarine, the first major U.S. Navy combatant vessel class designed with the post-Cold War security environment in mind. (U.S. Navy photo by Fernando Allen)

Crewmembers of the Virginia-class attack submarine USS New Hampshire (SSN 778) line the ship topside during the boat’s commissioning ceremony at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. More than 3,500 were in attendance at the ceremony held at the Navy’s first shipyard. New Hampshire is the fifth Virginia-class submarine, the first major U.S. Navy combatant vessel class designed with the post-Cold War security environment in mind. (U.S. Navy photo by Jeremy Lambert)

The Virginia-class attack submarine USS New Mexico (SSN 779) provides the backdrop for a crowd of nearly 1,700 guests and employees of Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipbuilding, including crewmembers of Pre-Commissioning Unit New Mexico, during her commissioning ceremony. Mrs. Cindy Giambastiani, the ship's sponsor and wife of retired Adm. Edmund P. Giambastiani, officially christened the Navy's newest submarine at the ceremony held this morning at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding. (U.S. Navy photo by Todd A. Schaffer)

Cmdr. Jim Waters, commanding officer of the Virginia-class attack submarine USS Virginia (SSN 774), addresses the crew of Virginia before their upcoming six-week underway. (U.S. Navy photo by Jonathan W. Hutto, Sr.)

The tugs Paul A. & John P. Wronowski help move the Virginia-class submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776) as she gets underway, enroute to her new homeport of Naval Station Pearl Harbor. Commissioned May 5, 2007, Hawaii is the third Virginia-class attack submarine constructed and the first submarine to be named after the Aloha state. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Patrick Evans/Released)

The Virginia-class submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776) transits the Thames River, enroute to her new homeport of Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Commissioned May 5, 2007, Hawaii is the third Virginia-class attack submarine constructed and the first submarine to be named after the Aloha state. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Patrick Evans)

The Virginia Class Attack submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776) makes it way down the Thames River past the historic ship Nautilus as it departs Naval Submarine Base New London bond for its new homeport at Naval Station Pearl Harbor. The Hawaii, commissioned on May 5, 2007 is the first submarine named for the 50th state, Sailors from the submarine will join their families in Hawaii, many having already moved to the Island. (U.S. Navy photo by Peter D. Blair)

The Virginia-class attack submarine USS New Hampshire (SSN 778) is escorted by a rigid hull inflatable boat during a personnel transfer. New Hampshire is participating in Joint Warrior, a two-week NATO exercise off the coast of Scotland. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Julie Ripley)

Sailors aboard the Virginia-class attack submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776) man the rails as they arrive at their new homeport at Naval Station Pearl Harbor. USS Hawaii is the third Virginia-class submarine constructed and the first submarine to bear the name of the Aloha state. Hawaii is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, irregular warfare, and mine warfare. (U.S. Navy photo by Mark Logico)

Sailors man the rails aboard the Virginia-class attack submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776) as she pulls into her new homeport at Naval Station Pearl Harbor. USS Hawaii is the third Virginia-class submarine constructed and the first submarine to bear the name of the Aloha state. Hawaii is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, irregular warfare, and mine warfare. (U.S. Navy photo by Robert Stirrup)

Virginia-class attack submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776) passes the USS Arizona memorial and USS Missouri while transiting Pearl Harbor. USS Hawaii is the third Virginia-class submarine constructed and the first submarine to bear the name of the Aloha state. Hawaii is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, irregular warfare, and mine warfare. (US Navy photo by N. Brett Morton)

Virginia-class attack submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776) passes by Diamond Head crater while transiting to Pearl Harbor. USS Hawaii is the third Virginia-class submarine constructed and the first submarine to bear the name of the Aloha state. Hawaii is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, irregular warfare, and mine warfare. (U.S. Navy photo by Meagan Klein)

Virginia-class attack submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776) passes by Diamond Head crater while transiting to Pearl Harbor, the submarine's new home port. USS Hawaii is the third Virginia-class submarine constructed and the first submarine to bear the name of the Aloha state. Hawaii is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, irregular warfare, and mine warfare. (U.S. Navy photo by Meagan Klein)

Virginia-class attack submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776) passes by Diamond Head crater while transiting to Pearl Harbor, the submarine's new home port. USS Hawaii is the third Virginia- class submarine constructed and the first submarine to bear the name of the Aloha state. Measuring 377 feet long, weighing 7800 tons when submerged and with a complement of more than 130 crew members, Hawaii is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, irregular warfare and mine warfare. (U.S. Navy Photo by Meagan Klein)

Machinist Mate 2nd Class Corey Stabenow inspects the deck of USS Texas (SSN 775) after surfacing in the vicinity of the North Pole. USS Texas makes history by being the first Virginia-class nuclear fast attack submarine to conduct Arctic operations. USS Texas is currently in transit to its new home port of Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Official U.S. Navy Photo.

USS Texas (SSN 775) arrived at their new home port, Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Monday, November 23, during an inner-fleet transfer from Groton Submarine Base. The arrival of Texas to Pearl Harbor will mark the second of the Virginia-class subs to be stationed in the Pacific, following the historic arrival of USS Hawaii (SSN 776) in July (U.S. Navy photo by Josh Thompson)

SSN779 New Mexico on Bravo Sea Trials. Photo by Chris Oxley, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding.

The Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS Virginia (SSN 774) cruises through the Mediterranean while on a scheduled deployment within the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Virginia is home ported in Groton, Conn., and is the lead boat of the Virginia-class of submarines. (U.S. Navy photo by William Pittman/Released)

USS Virginia (SSN-774) cruises through the_Bay of Naples while on a scheduled deployment within the U.S. 6th Fleet area_of responsibility. USS Virginia is homeported in Groton, Conn., and is the_lead boat of the Virginia-class of submarines. (U.S. Navy photo by William Pittman)

Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii - Sonar Technician Submarine 3rd Class (SS) George Athan (right) and Sonar Technician Submarine 3rd Class (SS) Jonathan Booker assemble a deck skid used for weapons handling on board the Virginia-class submarine USS Texas (SSN 775). Texas recently completed a historic exercise in the arctic region when it became the first vessel of its class not only to operate in the region, but also to surface through the ice while in transit to its home port of Pearl Harbor. Texas is the second Virginia-class attack submarine to be home ported at Naval Station Pearl Harbor. (U.S. Navy photo by Ronald Gutridge)

An MH-60S Knighthawk from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9 flies alongside USS New Mexico (SSN 779) while USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) sails in the distance March 3. HSC 9 is attached to the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Strike Group and is currently underway with the ship in the Atlantic Ocean in support of fleet training operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Nicholas Hall)

A Sailor salutes the National Ensign during a commissioning ceremony practice aboard the Virginia-class attack submarine Pre-Commissioning (PCU) New Mexico (SSN 779) at Naval Station Norfolk. New Mexico will be commissioned March 27, 2010. (U.S. Navy photo by Todd A. Schaffer)

USS Virginia (SSN 774) pulls into Submarine Base New London on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 returning from the first six-month deployment of a Virginia-Class Submarine. Traveling more than 37,000 miles, according to Virginia's commanding officer, Commander Jim Waters III, the boat conducted operations in the U.S. European and U.S. Central Command areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy Photo by John Narewski)