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New Navy sub ready for outfitting, testing

Newport News Shipbuilding has launched a new submarine for the U.S. Navy.

By Richard Tomkins

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Sept. 18 (UPI) -- The future U.S Navy submarine John Warner is ready for final outfitting following its launch into the James River in Virginia by Newport News Shipbuilding.

The company, a subsidiary of Huntington Ingalls Industries, said the launch took place Sept. 10. Once in the water, three tug boats moved the 7,800-ton submarine to a shipyard pier where final outfitting, testing and crew certification will take place over the next six months.

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"The John Warner team has made tremendous progress over the last year," said Jim Hughes, Newport News' vice president of submarines and fleet support. "To see the submarine afloat in the James River just days after the christening is testament to the dedication and hard work of both the shipbuilders here at Newport News, as well those at our partner yard, Electric Boat."

The submarine will be the sixth Virginia-class vessel delivered to by Newport News Shipbuilding. Construction of the vessel began in 2010. The ship will be delivered to the Navy next year.

"Having the submarine in the water allows us to test the remaining systems and improves the fidelity of the training that we are doing in preparation for crew certification," said Navy Cmdr. Dan Caldwell, the submarine's prospective commanding officer. "The ship's launching is an important milestone that puts us one step closer to our ultimate goal of taking this ship out to sea."

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