Newest Virginia-Class Sub Named

The newest Virginia-class attack submarine will be named Vermont, Navy Secretary Ray Mabus announced Sept. 18. Like other vessels in the class, Vermont will carry the latest stealth technology and provide support for special-warfare, surveillance, anti-submarine, anti-ship, mine delivery, and minefield mapping, as well as other critical missions both at sea and in coastal waters. Virginia-class submarines displace 7,800 tons, are 377 feet long and 34 feet wide, can operate at speeds exceeding 25 knots while submerged, and can carry Tomahawk cruise missiles.