Brian Jones: “Today, I rise in support of the resolution introduced by my colleague on the Armed Services Committee, Representative…”

“Today, I rise in support of the resolution introduced by my colleague on the Armed Services Committee, Representative Martin Heinrich, honoring the USS New Mexico as the sixth submarine of the Virginia class. The Virginia-class submarine program is the first class of U.S. Navy attack submarines to be designed for the variety of post-Cold War missions faced by our sea service. These vessels are capable of operating in the open ocean as well as the littorals, can travel at speeds in excess of 25 knots, and stay submerged for extended periods at sea. The Secretary of the Navy named the U.S. Navy's sixth Virginia-class fast-attack, nuclear-powered submarine, designated SSN 779, the USS New Mexico in honor of the State of New Mexico. In addition, this name honors the legacy of the battleship USS New Mexico. The battleship New Mexico was the first turboelectric-driven battleship, serving both the Pacific and Atlantic theatres during World War II, and earning six battle stars. Although the submarine USS New Mexico has only just been commissioned in March of this year, it is well on its way to living up to its namesake's legacy.”