USS Virginia Commissioned

USS Virginia (SSN 774) was commissioned on Saturday. The almost six year gap since the commissioning of USS Connecticut (SSN 22) in December 1998 is by far the longest between submarine commissionings in the Submarine Force's history. The next commissioning will take place most likely early next year when the Jimmy Carter (SSN 23) formally enters the service. The Carter was placed in service earlier this month; historically, a submarine's initial sea trials occur fairly soon after the ship is placed "in service", so expect to see that news soon.