The Navy commissioned its newest Virginia-class attack submarine, USS Minnesota, during a Sept. 7 pier-side ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk, Va. ‘Minnesota and the success of our Virginia-class submarine program prove that acquisition excellence is a key element of building the future fleet,’ said Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, who delivered the principal address during the commissioning ceremony. Like other vessels in its class, Minnesota offers enhanced stealth and surveillance capabilities and enhancements that will enable it to take active roles in special-warfare operations. The ship is built to conduct anti-submarine, anti-ship, irregular, anti-mine, and strike-warfare operations, and serve as an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions as well. It was built at General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Conn., and Huntington Ingalls Industries in Pascagoula, Miss., and carries a crew of 134 officers and sailors.