USS Texas (SSN-775)

USS Texas (SSN-775) is a *Virginia*-class nuclear-powered attack submarine in the United States Navy. She is the fourth U.S. Navy vessel named for the U.S. state of Texas and the first of her class to be constructed by Northrop Grumman Newport News. Commissioned in 2006, she represents a significant advancement in submarine technology, designed for multi-mission dominance in both open ocean and littoral operations.

Design and description

As the second unit of the *Virginia*-class, *Texas* incorporates numerous design improvements over preceding *Los Angeles*-class boats. Her design emphasizes enhanced stealth, sophisticated sonar systems like the Large Aperture Bow array, and a photonic imaging mast system replacing traditional periscopes. The submarine's nuclear reactor plant, a S9G reactor, provides propulsion for the life of the ship without refueling. Key features include a Lockheed Martin-designed combat system, a reconfigurable torpedo room that can host SEAL delivery vehicles or additional Mark 48 torpedoes, and advanced AN/BLQ-10 electronic warfare support measures.

Construction and commissioning

The contract for her construction was awarded to Northrop Grumman Newport News in Virginia on 30 September 1998. Her keel was laid down on 12 July 2002 at the Newport News Shipbuilding yard. The submarine was launched on 9 April 2005, sponsored by then-First Lady Laura Bush. The official commissioning ceremony was held on 9 September 2006 at the Galveston Port of Galveston, with principal addresses delivered by Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter and Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison.

Operational history

Following post-shakedown availability, *Texas* was assigned to Submarine Squadron 4 based at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton. Her early deployments included operations in the European and Central Command areas of responsibility. In 2009, she made a historic port visit to Faslane in Scotland, becoming the first *Virginia*-class submarine to operate in the United Kingdom. A significant milestone was achieved in 2015 when she completed the first Engineered Refueling Overhaul for her class at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, a complex maintenance period. More recently, *Texas* has conducted forward-deployed operations in the Arctic, surfacing at the North Pole in 2018, and has participated in major multinational exercises like ICEX.

Commanding officers

Command of *Texas* has been held by a succession of distinguished Naval Academy and NROTC graduates. Her first commanding officer was Commander John Litherland, who oversaw her final construction and commissioning. Subsequent commanding officers have included Commander Robert Roncska, who commanded during her 2015 overhaul, and Commander David Adams, who led the submarine during its Arctic deployment. The executive officer and crew are selected through the Navy's rigorous Submarine Officer Basic Course and advanced training pipeline.

Awards and recognition

Throughout her service, *Texas* has been recognized for operational excellence and readiness. Her awards include the Navy Unit Commendation, the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Battle Efficiency "E" Ribbon. The submarine and her crew have also earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the Armed Forces Service Medal for various deployments and exercises. These accolades reflect the crew's proficiency in fulfilling the submarine's missions under the U.S. Fleet Forces Command and U.S. Strategic Command.

Category:Virginia-class submarines Category:Ships built in Newport News, Virginia Category:2006 ships