Dolphins Swim with the newly christened USS Minnesota nuclear submarine

Huntington Ingalls Industries announced the newest Virginia-class submarine, Minnesota (SSN 783), successfully completed alpha sea trials. The trials are part one of a three round evaluation before the submarine is delivered to the Navy. As seen in the video above, some dolphins joined in on the fun while the sub was conducting it’s high speed above water tests. 

The nuclear sub was named “Minnesota” in honor of the state’s residents and their support for the U.S. military.

Submarine 'Minnesota' successfully completes sea trials

Huntington Ingalls Industries announced the newest Virginia-class submarine, Minnesota (SSN 783), successfully completed alpha sea trials Monday. 

Alpha trials are the boat’s first round of at-sea tests and evaluations. Minnesota is being built at HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division, the Globe Newswire reported.

All systems, components and compartments were tested during the trials. The submarine submerged for the first time and operated at high speeds on the surface and under water. The Minnesota will undergo two more rounds of sea trials, including one with the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey, before delivery later this month. Minnesota is anticipated to deliver approximately 11 months ahead of its contracted delivery date.

“This submarine is the result of a lot of hard work by the shipbuilders here at Newport News, our teammates at Electric Boat, and the overall Navy organizational structure, including NAVSEA, SUPSHIP and ship’s force personnel,” said Jim Hughes, NNS’ vice president of submarines and fleet support, in a news release. “It is incredibly gratifying for all of us to see this magnificent vessel operate so well during her first at-sea period.

Minnesota clearly carries on the Virginia-class tradition of continuous cost and schedule improvement while also raising the bar on operational readiness and capability.”

Minnesota, named to honor the state’s residents and their continued support of the U.S. military, is the last of the block II Virginia-class submarines and is in the final stages of construction and testing at Newport News Shipbuilding division. Construction began in February 2008, and the keel was authenticated in May 2011. The boat was christened Oct. 27, 2012. 

Minnesota is the 10th ship of the Virginia class of nuclear-powered fast-attack submarines. It’s the third ship to bear the state name, the Associated Press reported. The first USS Minnesota was a sailing steam frigate commissioned in 1857 that served during the Civil War. The second Minnesota was commissioned in 1907. The 7,800-ton Minnesota will have a crew of about 134 officers and enlisted personnel.

NNS launches Navy submarine

Virginia class submarine being built for the U.S. Navy has been launched by Huntington Ingalls Industries' Newport News Shipbuilding.

The USS Minnesota (SSN 783) is more than 90 percent complete, the company said.

"Launch is a significant accomplishment in the life of a submarine," said Jim Hughes, NNS vice president of submarines and fleet support. "It's an opportunity for our incredible shipbuilders to stand back and take pride in their work.

"Thanks to their tremendous efforts and steadfast determination, Minnesota's progress is nearly one year ahead of schedule and has been built using about 600,000 fewer man-hours than the previous boat."

The Minnesota is the 10th submarine of its class. Construction of the submarine began in 2008.

For the launch into the James River in Virginia the Minnesota, a 7,800-ton vessel, was moved from the NNS facility into a floating dry dock using a transfer car system and then submerged.

The vessel was moved by tugboats to a submarine pier for the final stages of outfitting and testing.

Shipyard christens new Navy attack submarine Minnesota

 Newport News Shipbuilding has christened the new U.S. Navy fast-attack submarine Minnesota.

Ellen Roughead, a Minnesota native and wife of former Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead, broke a bottle of American sparkling wine across the hull to christen the Virginia-class, nuclear-powered submarine Saturday.

Construction of the vessel began in February 2008 and is 88 percent complete. The company says as many as 1,000 shipbuilders worked on the Minnesota.

US Navy to Christen Submarine 'Minnesota'

The U.S. Navy will christen its newest attack submarine "Minnesota" at a ceremony Saturday in Newport News, Va.
  
Adm. Kirk Donald, director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion, will be principal speaker. Ellen Roughead, wife of former Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead and a Minnesota native, will break a champagne bottle to christen the sub.
  
Minnesota is the 10th ship of the Virginia class of nuclear-powered fast-attack submarines. It's the third ship to bear the state name. The first USS Minnesota was a sailing steam frigate commissioned in 1857 that served during the Civil War. The second Minnesota was commissioned in1907.
  
The 7,800-ton Minnesota will have a crew of about 134 officers and enlisted personnel.
  
To view the ceremony via live webcast, go to http://www.livestream.com/usnavy