Named
for the lone star state, Texas is the second ship of the
Virginia class. The keel for Texas was laid on July 12, 2002
and the ship was christened on July 31, 2004.
Designed to meet the Navy’s requirements in
a post-Cold War era, Virginia-class submarines use advanced
technologies to increase firepower, maneuverability and stealth. The
377-feet long Virginia-class submarines are capable of submerged
speeds of more than 25 knots and can stay submerged for up to three months
at a time.
The commissioning of USS Texas (SSN 775) is
scheduled for September 9, 2006 in Galveston, Texas. Sponsored
by the Greater Houston Council of the Navy League of the United States. The commissioning ceremony is by invitation
only.
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