USS New Mexico

Northrop Grumman-Built Submarine New Mexico (SSN 779) Returns from Successful Sea Trials

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Dec. 2, 2009 - New Mexico (SSN 779), the nation’s newest and most advanced nuclear-powered submarine, returned to Northrop Grumman Corporation’s (NYSE:NOC) Shipbuilding sector in Newport News, Va. after completing the ship’s first round of successful sea trials on Nov. 26.

Photos accompanying this release are available at: http://media.globenewswire.com/noc/mediagallery.html?pkgid=6888

Sea trials provide an opportunity to test all systems, components and compartments and include submerging for the first time, high-speed runs while on the surface and submerged, and a demonstration of the submarine’s other capabilities.

“The first sea trial is a milestone that the entire shipbuilding and Navy team has been working hard to achieve,” said Becky Stewart, vice president for Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding’s submarine program. “This accomplishment is a testament to the craftsmanship, dedication, persistence, and pride that our people take in the product they build — a very complex and high quality submarine.”

New Mexico is the sixth ship of the Virginia class and is in the final stages of construction and testing at the company’s Newport News shipyard. Delivery to the Navy is scheduled by the end of this year. The keel for New Mexico was authenticated April 12, 2008. The ship was christened on Dec. 13, 2008.
New Mexico is named for “The Land of Enchantment.” Upon delivery to the Navy this year, it will be the most modern and sophisticated attack submarine in the world, providing undersea supremacy well into the 21st century.

Northrop Grumman Newport News is teamed with General Dynamics Electric Boat to build the first 18 ships of the Virginia class. Current plans call for 30 Virginia-class submarines in the fleet. Using millions of parts from over 4,000 suppliers in 47 states and the District of Columbia, Virginia-class submarines incorporate dozens of new technologies and innovations and are the first major combatants designed with the post-Cold War security environment in mind.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide.

Virginia Class Submarine New Mexico Nearing Delivery

By Peter Frost, Newport News Daily Press, Dec. 2, 2009

NEWPORT NEWS – Sea trials are underway for the Newport News-built New Mexico submarine, a boat Northrop Grumman Corp. hopes to deliver to the U.S. Navy by the end of the month.

The fast-attack sub is the sixth Virginia Class submarine that Northrop and construction partner General Dynamics Electric Boat will deliver to the Navy.

On Nov. 26, New Mexico completed its first set of sea trials, a days-long period at sea in which engineers put the sub through a series of performance exercises. The ship’s crew, working with Northrop workers, test all systems, components and compartments on the sub, including submerging for the first time and conducting high-speed runs.

Northrop said the first round of tests “went extremely well.”

“New Mexico’s sea trial raised the bar to a new level of performance,” said Jennifer Dellapenta, a spokeswoman.

Once the ship returns from its second round of trials, it will undergo a brief work period at the shipyard to address any potential issues. From there, the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey will take New Mexico on a final trial.

The sub was supposed to be commissioned in November, but Northrop found that some of its Newport News workers incorrectly installed bolts and fasteners that hold together tracks on which weapons are moved inside its torpedo compartment.

Improper installation of these pieces could result in a misalignment of the equipment, preventing the movement of weapon cradles, an issue that could have essentially disabled the sub’s ability to launch attacks or defend itself.

After the problems were found, Northrop and the Navy agreed to push back the delivery of the New Mexico until early 2010. But company officials in recent weeks have signaled a desire to get the sub out the door by the end of the year.

The bolt and fastener problems were found in August on four submarines: the North Carolina, New Mexico, Missouri and California. Of the four boats, none were underway. Only the North Carolina is commissioned, but it was in a maintenance period. The Missouri and California remain in various stages of construction in Newport News and in Groton, Conn.

Matt Mulherin, the Newport News shipyard’s general manager, told the Daily Press in October that the problems were found throughout the forward portions of each of the subs, leading the company to expand its investigation to include all areas where similar equipment was installed on Newport News-built vessels.
The issue, Mulherin said, was not the equipment, rather “it had to do with the process of installing those types of fasteners.”

Although the probe expanded, Mulherin said the most crucial areas where the errors have been found remain in the weapons-handling room.

“We’re making progress and fixing the things we’ve found, and we keep pushing” to expedite its completion, he said in October. Mulherin was not available Wednesday for comment.

The shipyard expects to have all fastener-related problems fixed by the second quarter of 2010.
Despite the problems, the Virginia-class submarine is often touted as one of the Navy’s most successful shipbuilding programs. The shipbuilders have driven down costs and improved quality on each successive ship.

Northrop and Electric Boat are under contract with the Navy to build 12 more Virginia Class submarines. Current Navy plans call for 30 of the nuclear-powered boats.

Future USS New Mexico Successfully Completes Alpha Trials

From Naval Sea Systems Command Public Affairs, Dec. 2, 2009

WASHINGTON – Pre-Commissioning Unit New Mexico (SSN 779), the U.S. Navy’s newest submarine, successfully completed its initial sea trials, or Alpha Trials, Nov. 26.

The submarine departed Newport News, Va., Nov. 24 to evaluate its seaworthiness and operational performance. New Mexico’s Alpha Trials included diving to test depth, executing an emergency surfacing, and testing the ship’s propulsion plant performance.

Successful completion of these sea trials is a significant step towards ensuring that New Mexico meets all specifications and is ready for delivery to the Navy, which is anticipated by the end of 2009, following completion of Bravo Sea Trials and the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey trials.

“New Mexico’s successful completion of sea trials is a testament to the hard work of the Navy’s shipbuilding team,” said Capt. Michael Jabaley, Virginia Class program manager. “It is this partnership that has helped get New Mexico to where it is today, ahead of original contract schedule.”

New Mexico is the sixth submarine of the Virginia Class and third that Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding will deliver. Delivery of the ship prior to the end of the year would be four months early to its contract delivery date.

When commissioned in early 2010, New Mexico will join the five subs of its class as flexible, multi-mission platforms designed to carry out the seven core competencies of the Submarine Force: anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; special operations forces; strike; irregular warfare; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; and mine warfare.

New Submarine On Sea Trials

By Christopher P. Cavas, Navy Times, December 3, 2009

The sixth submarine of the Navy’s Virginia class, the New Mexico, has successfully completed the first two rounds of builder’s sea trials and, if an upcoming sea trial by the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey passes muster, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding expects to deliver the sub to the Navy before the end of the year.

Work on the submarine was delayed most recently by workmanship problems discovered earlier this year in the weapons room handling system. The submarine was about 99 percent complete when the problem was discovered in early August. Similar problems also were found on at least three other Virginia-class submarines. Before the latest problems surfaced, the New Mexico had been scheduled for delivery at the end of September.

The New Mexico’s first sea trials, known as Alpha and Bravo, were conducted virtually back to back. The sub headed out for Alpha trials Nov. 24 and came back to its builder’s yard at Newport News, Va., on Nov. 26 - Thanksgiving Day. The vessel headed back out for Bravo trials the following day.

Even with the delays, the submarine’s building schedule remains well ahead of its contract schedule, which calls for delivery by April 30, 2010.

The New Mexico is expected to be commissioned into Navy service next year at Norfolk, Va.

Meanwhile, General Dynamics Electric Boat, partnered with Northrop to build half of each Virginia-class submarine, is ready to christen the Missouri on Saturday at its Groton, Conn., shipyard. The submarine, which was floated in drydock Nov. 20, will formally be named by Becky Gates, for the wife of Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

SECRETARY OF THE NAVY SETS NEW MEXICO COMMISSIONING DATE

Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, has set the date for the commissioning of USS NEW MEXICO (SSN 779). The submarine will be commissioned at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 27, 2010, at Naval Station Norfolk, Norfolk, VA.

The commissioning ceremony is a time-honored Navy tradition and marks the point when a ship or submarine officially joins the fleet. It is at this ceremony when the Ship’s Sponsor, Mrs. Cindy Giambastiani, will issue the order to the crew: “Man our ship and bring her to life.” Mrs. Giambastiani is the wife of retired Admiral Ed Giambastiani, former vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Dick Brown, Chairman of the Navy League’s USS New Mexico Commissioning Committee, says “This is great news. I had just been discussing the need to finalize the commissioning date with Vice Admiral Jay Donnelly, Commander of the US Naval Submarine Force.”

NEW MEXICO is the Navy’s newest Virginia-class nuclear submarine. She just completed back-to-back Alpha and Bravo sea trials last week. By all reports, she excelled during sea trials and returned to the Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard last Saturday, two days early. The shipyard hopes to deliver the submarine to the Navy before the end of the year.

The Secretary of the Navy is reviewing a recommendation to hold the USS NEW MEXICO Commissioning on 27 March 2010. A possible alternate date is 20 March. The 779 Committee will announce the Commissioning date as soon as the decision is announced.

Ron Reeves from the Philadelphia Council of the Navy League sent us some stories about the USS NEW MEXICO (BB-40) from November 1947 and a news report from 1945 concerning an attack on BB-40 in the Lingayen Gulf during the landings in the Philippines.

Click on the thumbnails below to view the images.

The Commanding Officer of PCU New Mexico, CDR Mark Prokopius, and his Communications Officer LT Beau Wielkoszewski, visited Albuquerque in early October and participated in various Navy Week and Balloon Fiesta activities. Rear Admiral Paul Bushong, Commanding Officer of Submarine Group Two, also visited the Duke City and served as the principal spokesman for Navy Week. Admiral Bushong, a 1981 graduate of the US Naval Academy, oversees all US Navy submarines in the Atlantic, including USS NEW MEXICO.

Navy Week offered great exposure in the news media for our namesake submarine. Live interviews included Admiral Bushong with KOB-TV4 anchor Tom Joles and CDR Prokopius with KOAT-TV7 anchors Melissa Montoya and Marisa Maes. The CO was also interviewed by Bob Clark on KKOB 770’s morning radio show and by Charles Brunt of the Albuquerque Journal. See the October 19, 2009 edition of the Journal for Charles’ front-page story on NEW MEXICO and her crew.

RDML Bushong and Tom Joles

CDR Prokopius Interviewing with KOAT TV

Albuquerque Navy Week, one of 21 Navy Weeks across the nation this year, was organized by the Navy Office of Community Outreach to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and to raise public awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence.

The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce (AHCC) hosted a special breakfast reception for Admiral Bushong, where he briefed Chamber board members and Club 779 business leaders on the importance of having a strong Navy. With 90% of the world’s commerce traveling by sea, the Admiral stressed that we need our Navy to ensure vital sea lanes are always open for global trading. It may not be readily apparent to a land-locked state like New Mexico, but the vast majority of the world’s population lives within 100 miles of our planet’s ocean and here again it is imperative that we maintain a strong Navy to protect our homeland, our citizens and our interests around the world. Bushong acknowledged the great support that New Mexicans are is providing to the Navy and, in particular, the Chamber’s support for USS NEW MEXICO.

AHCC President Alex Romero & RDML Bushong

NEW MEXICO is one of 54 fast-attack nuclear submarines. On the day he spoke (Oct 5), Bushong reported that 29 subs or 53% of our fast-attack sub force were underway or deployed. He added that our combatant commanders have needs for 18 forward-deployed subs but we can only provide 10 at any given time. Even so, that’s presence with a purpose and it is a crucial part of our globally distributed, mission-tailored maritime forces.

The Navy’s newest weapon to support our maritime strategies is USS NEW MEXICO. When she is fully operational, she will be hidden from view and constantly moving, able to take out anything from a bunker to an entire city, with the enemy having no idea where the shots came from. NEW MEXICO will be able to place a Navy SEAL team on shore and then retrieve it after their mission is complete, all the while submerged. As Bushong says, “on the scene, but unseen.”

The Navy League’s New Mexico Council hosted an Admiral’s Call reception. Bushong and Prokopius received rides in retired Brig. Gen. Mike Rice’s balloon. The CO participated in a “Caps for Kids” event at Presbyterian Hospital Children’s Center where he distributed 24 SSN-779 ball caps. The CO and LT Wielkoszewski placed second in the Great Green Chile Cook-off at El Pinto Restaurant. They then served El Pinto chile stew at the New Mexico Veterans Integration Center.

CDR Prokopius visiting the Presbyterian Hospital Children’s Center

“Chef” Prokopius at the Great Green Chile Cook-off

Navy Week brings out that very special spirit that resides within the men and women of the US Navy today. These young professionals dedicate themselves to the welfare of others, and we saw that first hand in Albuquerque Navy Week 2009.

Photos courtesy of US Navy, Submarine Group Two.

You and Your Friends are cordially invited to a Fundraiser to benefit the USS New Mexico (SSN 779) Commissioning Committee

To be held at:
Scalo Northern Italian Grill
3500 Central Avenue SE (near Carlisle)
On Sunday, December 6, 2009

Social Hour: 4:00 - 4:30
Dinner: 4:30 - 5:15 Remarks & Auction: 5:15 - 6:30
Donation: $50 per person

Registration Options:
1. Go to the Scalo Event page and fill in the requested information.

2. Click on Registration Form. Print the form, fill it out, and mail it to Navy League of New Mexico, P.O. Box 91554, Albuquerque, NM 87199

Payment Options:
1. After registering you will be offered to make an on-line payment through Google Checkout.

2. Mail a check or money order made out to “Navy League of New Mexico” to Navy League of New Mexico, P.O. Box 91554, Albuquerque, NM 87199

The New Mexico Council of the Navy League of the U.S. is classified by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your donation is fully tax-deductable.

The Navy has announced that the Commissioning Ceremony for NEW MEXICO has been postponed due to shipyard construction problems with weapons handling systems. This was a joint decision by the Program Office, Northrop Grumman and the Prospective Commanding Officer. Sea trials and delivery had already been postponed. With delivery pushing up against the 21 November commissioning date, and other events on the calendar, including Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, NEW MEXICO’s commissioning will probably move into the January-February 2010 timeframe. A new date will most likely be set in late September. We regret any impacts on travel reservations. The new commissioning date will be posted as soon as it is announced by the Navy. We continue to work towards making this commissioning the best ever!

This is the official announcement:

CDR Prokopius -

I regret to inform you that I have had to delay the Commissioning Ceremony for PCU NEW MEXICO. The risk of not being able to deliver the ship in time for an 11/21 ceremony is too high to proceed as planned. Please pass my apologies to all the Commissioning Committee members and others who were planning to attend the ceremony in November. I hope that they are able to re-arrange their travel and attend the rescheduled ceremony. I will work with you to identify alternate dates to propose to the Secretary of the Navy for approval.

Thanks and R/,

CAPT Michael Jabaley
Program Manager, VIRGINIA Class Submarines (PMS 450)

PCU New Mexico Helps Son Fulfill Father’s Dying Wish
Story Number: NNS090821-27
Release Date: 8/21/2009 4:30:00 PM

By Lt. Patrick Evans, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) — The crew of the Virginia-class submarine Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) New Mexico (SSN 779) received a special gift earlier this summer as part of a dying wish - the battle flag from the battleship USS New Mexico (BB-40).

Robert Erland Sr., who served as a quartermaster second class petty officer aboard the battleship during World War II, had the battle flag in his possession, according to his son.

“When my father found out the Navy was naming a submarine New Mexico, he wanted them to have the battle flag. It was his dying wish,” said Robert Erland Jr. of Maryland.

The elder Erland, from Port Jefferson, N.Y., died May 2005 at the age of 90, six months after the secretary of the Navy announced that the sixth Virginia-class submarine would bear the name New Mexico. It took Erland junior, about 18 months and a handful of phone calls and emails, he said, to talk to the right people and set up the battle flag presentation.

“Everyone throughout this process was very supportive. It feels great to have the opportunity to do what he wanted me to do. It is closure for him,” said Erland junior.

Cmdr. Mark Prokopius, commanding officer of PCU New Mexico and other crew members drove about 175 miles from Newport News, Va., to Washington for the presentation.

“It is truly an honor to accept the battle flag flown onboard USS New Mexico during the Battle of Linguyan Gulf on behalf of PCU New Mexico,” said Prokopius. “This is a gracious donation, and we will display it proudly on board. I also appreciate the opportunity to help Mr. Erland fulfill his father’s request.”

“I was impressed that the crew drove three and a half hours for the presentation, then drove three and a half hours back. It was pretty neat,” said Erland Jr.

PCU New Mexico is the second Navy vessel to be named after the state with the nickname the “Land of Enchantment.” The original battleship was in service from 1917 to 1946 and received six battle stars for World War II. PCU New Mexico is set to be delivered to the Navy later this year.

The ship’s construction began March 2004, and the keel was laid during a ceremony held April 12, 2008. New Mexico was christened Dec. 13, 2008 and launched Jan. 22. The commissioning date has been set by the secretary of the Navy for Nov. 21.

New Mexico is the sixth submarine of the Virginia-class. As the Navy’s next-generation attack submarine, the Virginia-class provides the U.S. Navy with the capabilities it requires to maintain the nation’s undersea supremacy well into the 21st century. New Mexico has improved stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and special warfare enhancements which will enable it to meet the Navy’s multi-mission requirements.

For more news from Commander Submarine Group 2, visit www.navy.mil/local/Subgru2/.

PCU New Mexico’s Crew Moves Aboard, Eats First Meal
From Commander, Submarine Group Two Public Affairs

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A new milestone was reached by the crew of PCU New Mexico (SSN 779), July 28, when they ate their first meal onboard the nation’s next Virginia-class submarine.

Crewmembers enjoyed a lunch of prime rib and lobster tail to celebrate the first meal prepared in the galley.
“The guys are very excited,” said Cmdr. Mark Prokopius, prospective commanding officer of the New Mexico. “To be able to eat on board and sleep on board is a significant milestone that’s going to be one of the many that we have coming up as we get ready to go to sea trials.”

New Mexico, named for “The Land of Enchantment,” is in the final stages of construction and testing at Northrop Grumman’s Newport News shipyard. The submarine’s next significant construction milestone is its initial sea trials, an aggressive series of operational tests that demonstrate the submarine’s capabilities.
The first meal took place in the galley - or “mess” - dubbed “La Posta,” which is the name of restaurant in Mesilla, N.M. That restaurant won a competition to have its name permanently affiliated with the crew’s mess. One highlight of the competition came last fall, when two crew members spent a few days at La Posta, preparing food, learning recipes and examining overall operations. They also toured chili farms and chili production facilities.

Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding is teamed with General Dynamics Electric Boat to build the Virginia-class submarines. New Mexico is the sixth ship in the class and, upon delivery to the Navy this fall, will be the most modern and sophisticated attack submarine in the world.

The ship’s construction began March 2004 and the keel was laid during a ceremony held April 12, 2008. New Mexico was christened on Dec. 13, 2008 and launched on January 22, 2009. The commissioning date has been set by the Secretary of the Navy for Nov. 21, 2009.

Seaman Mykal Martin helps serve the first meal on board the USS New Mexico, SSN 779.
Photo by John Whalen.

Crewmembers enjoy a lunch of prime rib and lobster tail, in celebration of crew move aboard and the first meal prepared in the ship’s galley.
Photo by John Whalen.

The SSN 779 Committee has arranged for special commissioning rates at the two hotels that will be supporting the SSN 779 Commissioning. Go to Hotel Reservations for details.

MACHINIST’S MATE FIRST CLASS (SS)
BRIAN WILLIAM COOPER
UNITED STATES NAVY

CDR Mark Prokopius, Commanding Officer PCU USS NEW MEXICO (SSN 779), has recognized MM1(SS) Brian W. Cooper for professional achievement while serving as a member of Machinery Division in PCU NEW MEXICO (SSN 779) from January to December 2008. Petty Officer Cooper consistently performed his demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner.

As Machinery Division Leading Petty Officer, he flawlessly supervised the inspection and turnover of 10 engineering systems during the new construction process. His innovation and implementation of numerous process improvements resulted in timely and efficient system turnovers. As the Engineering Department Drill Coordinator, he developed a comprehensive drill program from the ground up.

While serving as Engineering Department Training Assistant, he consistently worked long hours, ensuring the department received quality training on complex shipyard testing procedures. His superb efforts led to a marked improvement in Engineering Department’s level of knowledge and casualty response.

His unsurpassed motivation and professional attitude resulted in his selection as the NEW MEXICO Sailor of the Year for 2008. Petty Officer Cooper was awarded his second Navy Achievement Medal in recognition of his stellar performance.

The Secretary of the Navy has decided that the commissioning of the USS NEW MEXICO will be on 21 November 2009 at the Norfolk Naval Station. The commissioning is open to anyone who desires to attend. To put your name on a list for a ticket to the commissioning go to Commissioning Registration.

While the crew of the USS NEW MEXICO (BB-40) did not have the Internet and other means to obtain instant news they did have The Queen’s Daily News. Read the 7 February edition here: Queen’s Daily 7 Feb 1945

Sub’s galley to be named after La Posta
By Diana M. Alba/Sun-News reporter
Posted: 01/08/2009 12:00:00 AM MST
MESILLA — A Mesilla restaurant beat out another eatery in the state to have its name permanently affiliated with the dining area of an under-construction Navy submarine.
The mess — or “galley” for seafarers — of the USS New Mexico will be dubbed “La Posta.”
The $2.7 billion nuclear-powered, fast-attack submarine is being built in Virginia and will eventually serve in the Navy’s fleet.
La Posta was in competition with El Pinto, a restaurant in Albuquerque. The contest entailed visits from members of the submarine’s crew over the past year.
“They were just looking at the restaurant and a way of preparing food that reflected New Mexico,” said Tom Hutchinson, co-owner of La Posta de Mesilla.
“We just put our best foot forward.”
Hutchinson said the height of the competition came in early fall of last year, when two crew members spent a few days at La Posta, preparing food, learning recipes and examining overall operations. They also toured chile farms and chile production facilities.
Master Chief Roger Meffley, chief of boat for the USS New Mexico, said crew members had developed a list of three potential names, including the two restaurants and a name they’d generated themselves, Santa Fe Trail Cafe. They settled on La Posta after a vote.
“When asked why they voted for La Posta, the thought was that La Posta was smaller, and its atmosphere was more in line with a submarine crew’s … galley when compared to its competitor that was on a much larger scale,” he wrote in an e-mail.
“Both restaurants have been wonderful and very supportive to crew and the command intends to keep strong ties to both businesses.”
Las Cruces resident Chris Wise dined at La Posta on Monday afternoon. After hearing about the restaurant’s connection to the submarine to La Posta, Wise said:
“It’s good for New Mexico.”
Hutchinson, who has owned the restaurant for the past 13 years, said the crew members during their stay sampled a spectrum of La Posta’s menu items, and “they really liked the way we prepared our chile.” He also credited his staff for the honor.
Meffley said it’s traditional for areas in a submarine to be named after people, places and objects.
“Having a name for your living area helps promote personal pride and improves sailor sense of ownership,” he wrote. “Usually these areas would include the crew’s mess, the wardroom and crew living spaces.”
In addition to the mess, five other areas of the vessel will be named after Medal of Honor recipients from New Mexico, Meffley said. The rooms will be marked with brass plaques.
Hutchinson said the naming of the galley after his restaurant has “extra special significance” because he served in the Navy from 1977 to 2002. Nine of those years were in active duty. His service was as an aviator, and he worked with Navy submarines to coordinate the tracking of Soviet Union submarines.
Hutchinson said he plans to name a room in his restaurant after the submarine.
Hutchinson and his wife, Jerean Hutchinson, attended the christening of the submarine on Dec. 13 in Newport News, Va. The vessel will be placed into water for the first time on Jan. 17 and will go through several months of trials before beginning its first mission in October. That final step will be marked by a
commissioning ceremony, which the Hutchinsons also plan to attend.
The USS New Mexico is the sixth so-called Virginia class submarine. It’s 377 feet long and will be able to dive to a depth of about 800 feet.
Diana M. Alba can be reached at dalba@lcsun-news.com; (575) 541-5443
USS New Mexico
Length: 377 feet
Speed: 28-plus mph
Depth: 800 feet
Torpedo tubes: 4
Crew: 134 (118 when deployed)
Cost: $2.7 billion
Design life: 33 years
Source: www.ussnewmexico.net

ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN SEAMAN (SS)
TRAVIS L. SMITH
UNITED STATES NAVY
2008 Bluejacket of the Year

Rear Admiral Grooms, Commander Submarine Group TWO, has recognized ETSN(SS) Travis L. Smith for professional achievement in the superior performance of his duties while serving as a member of Navigation Division in PCU NEW MEXICO (SSN 779) from June to December 2008. Seaman Smith consistently performed his demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner.

Demonstrating exceptional professional knowledge and initiative, he excelled while assigned on temporary additional duty (TAD) to the USS WEST VIRGINIA (SSBN 736), qualifying Helmsman/Planesman and Topside Sentry within 40 days after checking on board, providing greater flexibility to their import and underway watchbills. Additionally, he completed his submarine qualification in less than 90 days and assisted Navigation Division in maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment, including Tank Level Indicator System, the Ships Control Panel and Interior Communication System. The experience and knowledge that he gained over this assignment led to his exceptional performance as the Radar Operator during the PCU NEW MEXICO’s SPAN Trainer Piloting Party, where he was singled out by evaluators as a top performer.

His diligence and strict adherence to the highest standards of excellence led to his selection as NEW MEXICO’s Bluejacket Sailor of the Year 2008. ETSN(SS) Smith was awarded a Letter of Commendation in of his stellar performance.

Congratulations Seaman Smith!

MACHINIST’S MATE SECOND CLASS (SS)
ARTHUR ALAN BURKE, II
UNITED STATES NAVY
2008 Junior Sailor of the Year

CDR Mark Prokopius, Commanding Officer PCU USS NEW MEXICO (SSN 779), has recognized MM2(SS) Arthur Alan Burke for professional achievement while serving as a member of Machinery Division on board PCU NEW MEXICO (SSN 779) from January to December 2008. Petty Officer Burke consistently performed his demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner.

As a Machinery Division system expert, he identified and tracked over 200 material deficiencies on eight propulsion plant systems. His efforts were key to the delivery of high quality shipboard systems in a timely and efficient manner. As the department local area network assistant, he provided extremely valuable support to Information Technology Division testing and troubleshooting of non tactical data processing system functionality. He identified numerous faults, holes within the software, and a memory leak, aiding in revising the NTDPS program to ensure the highest quality product possible is delivered to the U.S. Navy.

While serving as the divisional reactor plant preventative maintenance system petty officer, he coordinated with shipyard testing personnel ensuring all required primary plant preventive maintenance was completed during the complex new construction process.

His unsurpassed motivation and professional attitude resulted in his selection as the NEW MEXICO Junior Sailor of the Year for 2008. Petty Officer Burke was awarded a Navy Achievement Medal in recognition of his stellar performance.

Congratulations Petty Officer Burke!

MACHINIST’S MATE FIRST CLASS (SS)

BRIAN WILLIAM COOPER
UNITED STATES NAVY
2008 Sailor of the Year
CDR Mark Prokopius, Commanding Officer PCU USS NEW MEXICO (SSN 779), has recognized MM1(SS) Brian W. Cooper for professional achievement while serving as a member of Machinery Division in PCU NEW MEXICO (SSN 779) from January to December 2008. Petty Officer Cooper consistently performed his demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner.

As Machinery Division Leading Petty Officer, he flawlessly supervised the inspection and turnover of 10 engineering systems during the new construction process. His innovation and implementation of numerous process improvements resulted in timely and efficient system turnovers. As the Engineering Department Drill Coordinator, he developed a comprehensive drill program from the ground up.

While serving as Engineering Department Training Assistant, he consistently worked long hours, ensuring the department received quality training on complex shipyard testing procedures. His superb efforts led to a marked improvement in Engineering Department’s level of knowledge and casualty response.

His unsurpassed motivation and professional attitude resulted in his selection as the NEW MEXICO Sailor of the Year for 2008. Petty Officer Cooper was awarded his second Navy Achievement Medal in recognition of his stellar performance.

Following the Christening ceremony on 13 December 2008 MM1(SS) Bryan Remley was reenlisted by CDR Mark Prokopius (CO) and Retired Admiral Edmund Giambastiani.

MM1 (SS) Bryan Remley was born in Berwick, Pennsylvania and enlisted in the Navy in November 2000.  He attended recruit training in Great Lakes, IL, Machinist Mate “A” School, Nuclear Power School in Goose Creek, and Nuclear Prototype Training and Engineering Laboratory Technician in Saratoga Springs, NY.

In April of 2003 he transferred to USS CHEYENNE (SSN-773) in Pear Harbor, HI where he served as a member of Reactor Laboratories division.  In August 2006 he transferred to Newport News, VA where he was part of the initial manning of the PCU NEW MEXICO (SSN-779).  During his tour on PCU NEW MEXICO he was temporarily transferred for 4 months to the EX SALT LAKE CITY (SSN-716) where he assisted in towing her from Portsmouth, NH to her final berth in Puget Sound, WA.

MM1(SS) Remley’s decorations are 2 Good Conduct Navy/Marine Medals, Expeditionary Medal Navy/Marine, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Expert Rifle Medal.  Other awards include Navy Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Citation, 2 Navy Efficiency “E” Ribbons, Sea-Service Deployment Ribbon, and Sharp Shooter Pistol Ribbon.