This may not look like much, but she's the US Navy's newest Virginia class attack submarine! She was commissioned the week before we were in Norfolk. This was her maiden patrol voyage out of Norfolk that we just happened upon as we toured the harbor. Made you proud to be a Carolinian AND a US citizen. I put some "scuttle-butt" I found on her online below.


As the Navy's next-generation attack submarine, the Virginia class will provide the U.S. Navy with the capabilities it requires to maintain the nation's undersea supremacy well into the 21st century. North Carolina will have improved stealthiness, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and Special Warfare enhancements which will enable it to meet the Navy's multimission requirements.

Virginia class submarines are able to attack targets ashore with highly accurate Tomahawk cruise missiles and conduct covert long-term surveillance of land areas, littoral waters or other sea-based forces. Other missions include anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare; special forces delivery and support; and mine delivery and minefield mapping. With enhanced communications connectivity, the submarine also will provide important battle group and joint task force support, with full integration into carrier battle group operations.