GD delivers sub ahead of schedule

GROTON, Conn., Aug. 29 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy says it has received delivery of a new nuclear-powered attack submarine produced by General Dynamics Electric Boat ahead of schedule.

Connecticut-based General Dynamics Electric Boat announced the delivery of the New Hampshire SSN-778 to the Navy eight months ahead of the contractual deadline. The New Hampshire, the newest nuclear-powered attack submarine in the Navy's fleet, took just over five and a half years to construct. Officials say the New Hampshire marks the fifth ship completed in the Virginia class of combatant ships.

"This ship is a tangible reflection of the skill and craft of thousands of industry and shipyard workers," John Casey, General Dynamics Electric Boat president, said in a statement.

"Like the previous ships of the class, New Hampshire has been designed specifically to incorporate emergent technologies that will provide new capabilities to meet new threats."