NEWPORT NEWS, Va., June 7 (UPI) -- The last of the U.S. Navy's Block II Virginia-class submarines has been delivered ahead of schedule by Newport News Shipbuilding.
Huntington Ingalls Industries, parent company of NNS, said construction of the USS Minnesota began in early 2008.
"This is a success story of the teamwork between the crew and shipbuilder," said Cmdr. John Fancher, the Minnesota's commanding officer. "The team reached the finish line together with quality craftsmanship by the shipbuilder, coupled with a crew that was given the opportunity to train as necessary to operate the submarine to its fullest extent during the combined trials."
The USS Minnesota was built in partnership with General Dynamics Electric Boat and features enhanced firepower, maneuverability and stealth. The vessel is 377 feet long, has a speed of more than 25 knots submerged and can stay submerged as three months.
