Posted by lex, on August 9th, 2011
Huntington Ingalls Industries-Newport News Shipbuilding has delivered the future USS California to the Navy for commissioning over eight months ahead of schedule, according to the UPI:
“The quality and professionalism of our Navy/shipbuilding team is evident in California’s outstanding performance during its recent sea trials and early delivery,” said Program Executive Officer for Submarines Rear Adm. David Johnson.
California required 65 months to build. It is the eighth Virginia-class submarine and is the first delivered under the HII–NNS banner, the company said.
The next major event for California will be its commissioning Oct. 29 in Norfolk, Va.
California’s commissioning is the second-to-last major acquisition milestone for the Virginia-class program in 2011.
Unlike her namesake, the California will only spend part of her time under water.