USN welcomes USS Vermont into service
The USN has commissioned the USS Vermont into active service as the 19th Virginia-class fast attack submarine.
Despite a cancellation of the usual public ceremony, the navy carried out administrative requirements for the transition of the vessel to normal military operations on 18 April.
James McPherson, Acting Secretary of the Navy, said: ‘I am confident the crew of this cutting-edge platform will carry on this tradition and confront the challenges of today’s complex world with the professionalism and dedication our nation depends on.’
USS Vermont will perform a range of key functions including ASW, ASuW, ISR, mine warfare and the transportation of special operations forces.
Construction of USS Vermont began in May 2014 and it is the first of 10 Virginia-class Block IV submarines.
USS Delaware, another Virginia-class boat, was commissioned on 4 April.
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