U.S. Navy commissions Virginia-class attack submarine Washington

Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 02:19:52|Editor: Mu Xuequan
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Navy on Saturday commissioned its 14th Virginia-class attack Submarine U.S.S. Washington at a naval station in Virginia state.

"The future U.S.S. Washington is among the most technologically advanced platforms in the world," Thomas Dee, Navy Under Secretary, said.

The newly commissioned submarine began construction in 2011, and will be the fourth Virginia Block III model submarine, which replaced 12 individual launch tubes in previous models with two large-diameter each capable of launching six tomahawk cruise missiles.

Virginia-class submarines are currently the most advanced attack submarines in the U.S. Navy, their missions include anti-submarine, anti-surface ship, as well as special operation forces support, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, according to a Navy statement.

The Virginia-class submarines are expected to serve past 2070, and many of its communication and electronic systems are also expected to be used in the developing Columbia class strategic submarines.

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