USS Texas (SSN-775)

For other ships with the same name, see USS Texas.
USS Texas (SSN-775)
USS Texas in 2006
History
United States
Name: USS Texas
Namesake: State of Texas
Awarded: 30 September 1999
Builder: Newport News Shipbuilding
Laid down: 12 July 2002[1]
Sponsored by: Laura Bush
Christened: 31 July 2004[1]
Launched: 9 April 2005[2]
Commissioned: 9 September 2006[3]
Homeport: Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, U.S.
Motto: "Don't Mess with Texas!"
Status: in active service
Badge:
General characteristics
Class and type: Virginia-class submarine
Displacement: 7,900 tonnes (7,800 long tons)
Length: 114.9 m (377 ft)
Beam: 10.3 m (34 ft)
Propulsion: S9G reactor
Speed: exceeds 25 kn (29 mph; 46 km/h)
Range: Measured in terms of time (life-of-the-ship; approx. 33 years)
Complement: 134
Armament:

USS Texas (SSN-775) is a Virginia-class submarine, and the fourth warship of the United States Navy to be named after the U.S. state of Texas.

The contract to build her was awarded to the Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard (then called Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co.) in Newport News, Virginia on 30 September 1998 and her keel was laid down on 12 July 2002.[1] She was christened on 31 July 2004 by Laura Bush, First Lady of the United States.[4] She was launched into the James River on 9 April 2005.[2]

History

SSN-775's keel being laid in July 2002.
SSN-775's keel being laid in July 2002.
Texas under construction.
The launching of USS Texas in July 2004.

Under the command of Captain John Litherland, Texas arrived at Galveston Bay on 4 September 2006 and was escorted into the harbor by Elissa. With a crowd of 10,000 in attendance,[5] Texas was commissioned in Galveston, Texas, and joined the U.S. Atlantic Fleet on 9 September 2006.[3] This commissioning mission is depicted in Season 2, Episode 4 of the Discovery Channel television series, "FutureWeapons."

The ship, under the command of Commander Robert Roncska, departed New London Naval Submarine Base at Groton for Pearl Harbor on 16 September 2009.[6] On its way to Pearl Harbor, the sub traveled to the Arctic Ocean and surfaced near the North Pole's ice pack.[7] Due to the thickness of the ice on the West Coast, the sub turned around and completed its westbound transit via the Panama Canal. Texas arrived in her new home port on 23 November 2009.[8]

The sub departed Pearl Harbor for her first three-month operational patrol on 19 May 2010. The location of the ship's first deployment was not disclosed by the Navy.[9]

Commander Andrew Hertel was relieved as the Commanding Officer on 1 February 2012 and as of May 2012, the submarine underwent a scheduled 20-month-long overhaul.[10][11][12]

Ship's crest

"In the forefront is a full view of Texas, ready to go forth and take the fight to the enemy. Emblazoned on her hull is the shape of the state of Texas, denoting the outstanding patriotism and leadership the citizens of Texas have contributed to the American nation. Located within the state outline is a symbol of the atom, representing the warfighting capability and endurance afforded Texas by nuclear power.

Texas is backed by the traditional badge of the Texas Rangers. This identifies the singularity of purpose between the men and women who enforce Texas law and the sailors. The four white stars represent the four American warships to bear the name of the state of Texas. "Don't Mess with Texas" is a well known state slogan and a warning for those who attempt to prevent Texas from carrying out her mission. The battle scarred Lone Star flag flying behind Texas represents the gallant heroism of those who fought and died at the Alamo to ensure the future of Texas, and it also represents the perseverance with which Texas and her crew will endure through all missions that are put before her."

References

Notes

  1. 1 2 3 Northrop Grumman Corporation Public Information (12 July 2002). "Laura Bush Authenticates Keel for the Virginia-Class Submarine Texas (SSN 775) at Northrop Grumman's Newport News Sector" (PDF). 1840 Century Park East, Los Angeles County, California: Northrop Grumman Corporation. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 October 2005. Retrieved 29 October 2005.
  2. 1 2 "Northrop Grumman Successfully Launches Virginia-Class Submarine Texas". Archived from the original on 8 August 2007. Retrieved 2007-12-08.
  3. 1 2 "First Lady Laura Bush Welcomes USS Texas to the Fleet". Archived from the original on 2 November 2007. Retrieved 2007-12-09.
  4. ↑ "Laura Bush Christens Texas Submarine at Northrop Grumman". Archived from the original on 10 August 2007. Retrieved 2007-12-08.
  5. ↑ http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=25500
  6. ↑ Kakesako, Gregg K. (20 September 2009). "New Attack Submarine En Route To Its New Home At Pearl Harbor". Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
  7. ↑ Cole, William (15 November 2009). "USS Texas Pays Icy Visit To Arctic". Honolulu Advertiser.
  8. ↑ Cole, William (24 November 2009). "USS Texas Arrives at New Home Port in Pearl Harbor". Honolulu Advertiser.
  9. ↑ Kakesako, Gregg K. (29 May 2010). "USS Texas Leaves For First Deployment". Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
  10. ↑ "USS Texas holds change of command". ho'okelenews.com. 4 February 2012. Retrieved 3 September 2015.
  11. ↑
  12. ↑

Sources

Further reading

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