Armed Forces News

The USS New Mexico (SSN 779), the sixth in the line of 10 Virginia-class attack submarines, was christened during a Dec. 13 ceremony at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding in Newport News, Va. The 377-foot vessel boasts a speed of more than 25 knots when submerged, and is capable of conducting surveillance and special operations missions while employing the latest in stealth technology. Manned by 14 officers and 120 sailors, New Mexico will be commissioned late next year.