Sailors prepare surf and turf as the first meal for the 146-member crew that will serve aboard the submarine John Warner (SSN 785). Photo by Ricky Thompson/HIi
Newport News, Va. – The U.S. Navy’s newest Virginia-class submarine, the John Warner (SSN-785), has reached another milestone at Newport News Shipbuilding.
Crew members began moving aboard Monday and enjoyed their first meal in the ship’s galley. Sailors prepared surf and turf for the 146-member crew.
“The in-service milestone is an important event in the life of the submarine John Warner,” said Cmdr. Dan Caldwell, the submarine’s prospective commanding officer. “The ability to work and live aboard the ship will give the crew the opportunity to become more familiar with the equipment they will operate and places us one step closer to our ultimate goal of taking this submarine to sea.”
The ship was named after former senator John Warner and was christened last September. At 96 percent complete, the new underwater craft is in the final stage of construction.
Newport News Shipbuilding Vice President Jim Hughes said, “For the shipbuilders, it marks significant progress toward delivery and reminds us that we are not only building a warship, but a home for these sailors as they work to protect our country.”
John Warner will be the first Virginia-class submarine to be named after someone. It’s on schedule to be delivered to the Navy this year.
-Kelsey Rountree WTKR Intern
Related:
Watch: Future USS John Warner launched into the James River
Newly-christened submarine John Warner will be based in Norfolk
