New Navy Attack Sub Completes Sea Trials

By Kris Osborn

As part of a broader plan to bring new submarine technology to the fleet and accelerate attack submarine acquisition to address an anticipated shortfall.

“The ship and its crew performed exceptionally well,” Matt Needy, Newport News’ vice president of submarines and fleet support said in a written statement.

All systems, components and compartments of the new Washington (SSN 787) were tested during the trials.

“The submarine submerged for the first time and operated at high speeds on the surface and underwater. Washington will undergo a round of acceptance trials before delivery to the Navy by Newport News,” a Newport News shipbuilding statement said.

Virginia-Class Attack Submarine Acceleration

News of developments with the Washington comes as Navy leaders now say it will be possible to build more Virginia-class attack submarines at a faster pace than currently planned as part of an aggressive move to address and counter Russian and Chinese submarine expansion.

Senior Navy officials and industrial partners say there is an ability to build 2 Virginia-class submarines per year once production of the Ohio Replacement Program nuclear-armed submarines begins in the 2020s.