USS Mississippi Commissioned in Namesake State

From Lt. Hayley Sims, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Public Affairs

PASCAGOULA, Miss (NNS) -- The Navy's newest addition to the submarine force was commissioned June 2, in its namesake state.

USS Mississippi (SSN 782), the ninth Virginia-class attack submarine, joined the fleet following a commissioning ceremony held at the Port of Pascagoula.

More than 7,500 people braved the typical tropical Mississippi weather to witness the ceremony in Pascagoula, while others viewed it live on the Internet.

Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, a native Mississippian and former governor of the state was the ceremony's keynote speaker. He enthusiastically welcomed Mississippi to the fleet.

"I am so glad to be home to commission the wonderfully named Mississippi", said Mabus. "When you look at Mississippi you know that American exceptionalism, to paraphrase Mississippian William Faulkner, will not only survive, it will prevail.

Also on hand for the commissioning was Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert, who compared the Sailors and ships that served in the Navy during the War of 1812 to the Sailors and Mississippi who serve today.

"We learned during the War of 1812 what we need to make a great Navy," said Greenert. "Along with ships that are well built and resilient, we must have bold and innovative leaders such as Captain McGrath. Most importantly we need crews that are confident and proficient in our craft. This superb crew has been well trained, and they are ready for this magnificent warship."

Noteworthy was the delivery of the submarine to the Navy almost one year early and under budget.

"It took just over 62 months to build Mississippi which sets a record for the Virginia class program and is a testament to the skill and dedication of the shipbuilders," said Mabus.

Mississippi, the most modern and sophisticated attack submarine in the world, can operate in both littoral and deep ocean environments and presents combatant commanders with a broad and unique range of operational capabilities. Even with the technological advantages, it's the crew who sails on Mississippi that make her an invaluable asset.

"The reason we have the edge that we do and the reason that no navy on earth can touch us, is because of the Sailors that represent the United States Navy," said Mabus. "The Sailors standing before you are the best skilled, the highest trained, and most dedicated that the world has ever known."

 Continuing the longstanding Navy traditional first order, Mississippi's sponsor Allison Stiller, deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for Ship Programs proclaimed, "Man our ship and bring her to life." For the Navy and for the state of Mississippi, the wait was over.

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant said that Mississippi and her Sailors reflect the determination and patriotism of the state.

"This great warship reflects the personality and resilience of all Mississippians," said Bryant. How proud we might be to also know that our state motto "Virtute et armis" will go with it - By Valor and Arms. Let the world know from this moment on Mississippi sails peace through strength."

As the Navy's newest Virginia-class attack submarine, Mississippi is a flexible, multi-mission platform designed to carry out the seven core competencies of the Submarine Force: anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, delivery of special operations forces, strike warfare, irregular warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and mine warfare. Mississippi will support these capabilities for years to come.

"During the time Mississippi is in the fleet, she may patrol the waters of the North Atlantic to the Western Pacific and under the Arctic ice to work with the Coast Guard and our international partners, and she'll support our carrier strike groups around the world," said Mabus.

The submarine is 377 feet long, has a 34-foot beam, and will be able to dive to depths greater than 800 feet and operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots submerged.

Capt. John McGrath is Mississippi's first commanding officer. McGrath leads a crew of about 140 officers and enlisted personnel. A native of Neptune, N.J., he graduated with distinction from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1990, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.

As the submarine's sponsor, Stiller broke the traditional champagne bottle against the boat's sail during the christening ceremony last December. Her initials were welded onto a plaque inside the submarine during the keel-laying ceremony in 2010.

Virginia-class submarines are built under a unique teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries- Newport News. Construction on Mississippi began in February 2007; the submarine's keel was laid June 9, 2010, and she was christened during a ceremony Dec. 3, 2011.

Mississippi is the fifth Navy ship, and first submarine, to be named in honor of the people of the Magnolia State. The most recent USS Mississippi was a nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser (CGN 40) that was in service from August 1978 to July 1997.

Navy Secretary to Commission Submarine Mississippi

The Navy’s newest Virginia-class attack submarine Mississippi will be commissioned Saturday, June 2, 2012, during a 10 a.m. CDT ceremony at the Port of Pascagoula in Pascagoula, Miss.

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus will deliver the ceremony’s principal address.  Allison Stiller, deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for ship programs, will serve as the ship’s sponsor.  In the time-honored Navy tradition she will give the first order to "man our ship and bring her to life!"

The selection of Mississippi as the name for the submarine is dedicated to the state’s long-standing tradition of shipbuilding in support of our nation’s defense.  It also honors the indomitable spirit of the people of Mississippi, who have made great strides in recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.  This fighting spirit will be an inspiration to all sailors who embark aboard Mississippi.  

There have been four previous ships named Mississippi.  The first Mississippi, a side wheeler, served as Commodore Matthew Perry’s flagship for his historic voyage to Japan and fought with Admiral Farragut’s forces on the Mississippi River during the Civil War.  The second and third were battleships, a BB-23 in World War I and a BB-41 in World War II.  The fourth Mississippi, a Virginia-class nuclear guided missile cruiser, was decommissioned in 1997.

Designated SSN 782, the ninth ship of the Virginia class, Mississippi is built to excel in antisubmarine warfare; antiship warfare; strike warfare; special operations; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions.  Adept at operating in both the world’s shallow littoral regions and deep waters, Mississippi will directly enable five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities -- sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence.

Capt. John McGrath, a native of Neptune, N.J., and a 1990 graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy, will be the ship’s commanding officer, leading a crew of approximately 134 officers and enlisted personnel.

The 7,800-ton Mississippi was built under a teaming arrangement between General Dynamics-Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industry-Newport News Shipbuilding and was delivered to the Navy one year ahead of contract schedule and under cost. Mississippi took just over 62 months to build, which set the record for the Virginia Class Submarine program's fastest delivery.

The boat is 377 feet long, has a 34-foot beam, and will be able to dive to depths of greater than 800 feet and operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots submerged. Mississippi is designed with a nuclear reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship -- reducing lifecycle costs while increasing underway time.

The commissioning will be aired live on the U.S. Navy’s Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/usnavy and Livestream channel http://www.livestream.com/usnavy beginning at 10 a.m. CDT (11 a.m. EDT).  Join the conversation on Twitter #NewMiss .

Media may direct queries to the Navy Office of Information at 703-697-5342.  For more information on attack submarines, visit: http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4100&tid=100&ct=4 .

PCU Mississippi Sailors Volunteer with American Red Cross in Pascagoula

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (NNS) -- Sailors from Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Mississippi (SSN 782) volunteered with the American Red Cross in Pascagoula and packed hurricane preparedness materials May 30.

PCU Mississippi Sailors assisted the American Red Cross in advance of the kick-off to hurricane season, which begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30.

PCU Mississippi, the ninth Virginia-class attack submarine, arrived in Pascagoula May 25 to prepare for the submarine's commissioning June 2.

In addition to assisting with the American Red Cross, PCU Mississippi Sailors also lent their assistance to Habitat for Humanity May 29.

Capt. John McGrath, PCU Mississippi's commanding officer, emphasized his crew's interest in assisting in volunteer projects while the submarine was in Pascagoula for its commissioning.

"PCU Mississippi Sailors amassed more than a thousand volunteer hours while the boat was under construction," said McGrath. "It was only fitting for my crew to do the same while we are visiting our namesake state."

Due to their extensive volunteerism the submarine received a Navy Community Service/Project Good Neighbor community service award in 2011.

Martha Duvall, American Red Cross communications officer, South Mississippi was pleased with the Sailors' support.

"We are excited and honored to have crew members from the USS Mississippi help assemble Red Cross emergency shelter kits," said Duvall.

Duvall added that the kits will be used throughout South Mississippi this hurricane season.

"Their volunteerism today will allow us to continue to be ready if and when called upon to open shelters," said Duvall.

Virginia-class submarines are built under a unique teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries - Newport News. Construction on the submarine began in February 2007.

Once commissioned in 2012, Mississippi, like all Virginia-class submarines is designed to dominate both the littorals and deep oceans. It will serve as a valuable asset in supporting the core capabilities of Maritime Strategy: Sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence.

PCU Mississippi will be commissioned June 2 in Pascagoula, Miss. The ceremony, which begins at 10 a.m. CST, will be streamed live via www.livestream.com/usnavy as well as http://www.pentagonchannel.mil/. It will also be available via webcast at http://www.dvidshub.net/webcast/2421#.T7_T57BtaSo.

PCU Mississippi Sailors Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity in Pascagoula

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (NNS) -- Nearly two dozen Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Mississippi (SSN 782) Sailors assisted the local Habitat for Humanity organization in Pascagoula with an ongoing housing project May 29.

PCU Mississippi, a Virginia-class attack submarine arrived in Pascagoula May 25 to prepare for its commissioning June 2.

Capt. John McGrath, PCU Mississippi's commanding officer said his crew was very interested in assisting in volunteer projects while the submarine was in Pascagoula for its commissioning.

"The Sailors of PCU Mississippi are true ambassadors of goodwill for not only the Submarine Force, but the U.S. Navy," said McGrath. "Since the early days of the boat's construction, my crew has diligently shown their volunteer spirit by giving of their off-duty time to various activities in Connecticut. It's only fitting for my crew to do the same in their namesake state of Mississippi."

Adele Lyons, director of development, Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast appreciated the support.

"Since Habitat for Humanity has been involved in an initiative to engage members of the military community, it is a perfect match to get Sailors from the Mississippi involved in one of our projects," said Lyons. "From past experience, we know these Sailors have a work ethic is second to none. We truly appreciate the Sailors wanting to give back to this community through volunteerism."

In December 2011, the submarine received a Navy Community Service/Project Good Neighbor community service award.

"When we were planning events to participate in during the commissioning week, many of my Sailors who regularly volunteered in Connecticut, were the first ones to sign up to participate in volunteer activities," said McGrath.

McGrath also added that since mid-2010, his Sailors assisted with countless projects in Connecticut that range from cooking food for veterans to educating students at John B. Stanton Elementary School.

While in their namesake state, PCU Mississippi Sailors will also volunteer with the local American Red Cross to pack hurricane preparedness materials.

Virginia-class submarines are built under a unique teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries - Newport News. Construction on the submarine began in February 2007.

Once commissioned in 2012, Mississippi, like all Virginia-class submarines, is designed to dominate both the littorals and deep oceans. It will serve as a valuable asset in supporting the core capabilities of maritime strategy: sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence.

PCU Mississippi will be commissioned June 2 in Pascagoula, Miss. The ceremony, which begins at 10 a.m. CST, will be streamed live on http://www.pentagonchannel.mil/ and available via webcast at http://www.dvidshub.net/webcast/2421#.T7_T57BtaSo.

Groton-based Commander Visits Gulf Coast to Promote PCU Mississippi Commissioning

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

GULFPORT, Miss. (NNS) -- A Groton-based Navy commander visited several Mississippi Gulf Coast cities, April 23-25, to promote the upcoming commissioning of the ninth Virginia-class submarine Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Mississippi (SSN 782).

The future USS Mississippi will be commissioned in Pascagoula, Miss. June 2, and will be the fifth ship to bear the name of Mississippi. Cmdr. Dale Green, the Submarine Group 2 shipyard representative at General Dynamics Electric Boat, participated in the three-day visit.

"I'm excited to be here, working with the community leaders, commissioning committee, and meeting the great people of the Magnolia state as the boat and her crew also look forward to an exceptional event for our Navy, the region, and the state of Mississippi," said Green.

Green visited the state on behalf of both Commander, Submarine Group 2 and PCU Mississippi, discussing the unique bond the crew has with its namesake state.

"Although the crew of PCU Mississippi is homeported in Connecticut they claim Mississippi as their home," said Green. "I'm here to brag about the incredible men that make up the heart and soul of your namesake submarine PCU Mississippi."

The guiding force behind the success of PCU Mississippi, said Green, is credited to Capt. John McGrath's leadership and his core philosophy.

"The heartbeat of the future USS Mississippi is centered on the commanding officer's core philosophy for the ship. They train and work to a philosophy that focuses on making every crewmember a critical part of the team," said Green.

Green added that this philosophy includes three basic points which include integrity, readiness, and teamwork, which he personally saw the commanding officer's leadership philosophy in action when he embarked aboard the submarine during its Alpha sea trials.

"Two weeks ago I was at sea with the Mississippi crew as they completed Alpha trials, the first time the ship was at sea and the crew was amazing," said Green. "The command team has built a team with a strong family bond."

While visiting Mississippi, Green spoke at the Gulf Council Business Council, Biloxi and Pascagoula Rotaries, and met with submariners residing at the Armed Forces Retirement Home, located in Gulfport.

"I had the opportunity to visit with some retired shipmates who told heartrending sea stories from World War II and expressed their personal excitement of seeing the commissioning of the Mississippi in June," said Green.

One of the submariners Green met with was a retiree who entered the U.S. Navy in January 1939. Retired Lt. Cmdr. Richard Halloran, 91, served 29 years in the Navy and volunteered for submarine service ultimately serving aboard six submarines while on active duty.

Halloran discussed his time aboard USS S-37 (SS 142) and the pivotal role his submarine played in World War II. While USS S-37 was on its third war patrol in February 1942, the submarine attacked a Japanese convoy and sunk the destroyer Natsushiro.

"Sinking Natsushiro marked the first Japanese destroyer sunk in the war by a U.S. submarine," said Halloran.

Halloran served on the following submarines: USS S-37, USS Scamp (SS 247), USS S-20 (SS 125), USS Sea Owl (SS 405), USS Bergall (SS 320), and USS Flying Fish (SS 229).