Navy Commissions USS Illinois

The Navy commissioned the fast-attack submarine Illinois during an Oct. 29 ceremony at Naval Submarine Base New London, Conn. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson and Michelle Obama, the first lady, were present as Illinois officially became the 13th Virginia-class vessel to join the fleet. Like other submarines in its class, Illinois can carry Tomahawk cruise missiles and conduct surveillance in deep and shallow waters, as well as conduct anti-submarine, anti-ship, mine-delivery and minefield-mapping missions. At 7,800 tons and 377 feet in length, Illinois can achieve speeds greater than 25 knots while submerged, and conduct deploy-and-support missions for special-operations troops.