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New Navy submarine completes trials

WASHINGTON, May 17 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy's newest attack submarine has successfully completed Alpha and Bravo sea trials and is moored at a shipyard.

The Navy reports that the trials of the future USS Minnesota included diving to test depth, conducting an emergency surfacing, and testing of the vessel's propulsion plant to evaluate ship seaworthiness and operational performance.

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Tests on the Minnesota's acoustic performance and combat systems were also conducted.

"PCU (Pre-Commissioning Unit) Minnesota's successful run through Alpha and Bravo Trials is indicative of the quality and dedication of the crew and our Navy/shipbuilding team," said Navy Capt. Capt. David Goggins, Virginia class program manager. "Minnesota continues the Virginia class' trend of delivering these outstanding assets to the fleet early to contract, within budget, and ready for operational tasking."

The Minnesota is the Navy's 10th Virginia class submarine and will be delivered about a year ahead of schedule. It was built by Newport News Shipyard and General Dynamic Electric Boat.

Construction of the vessel began in early 2008.

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