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.