Matthew Jones
The Virginian-Pilot
©
WASHINGTON
A Virginia-class attack submarine will finally be named for a Virginian: recently retired Sen. John Warner, the Navy announced Thursday.
The vessel, SSN 785, will be built in Newport News by Northrop Grumman and General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp. It will be the first in the class named after a person; the other 11 are named for states.
"Sen. Warner has served his country for over 63 years and has been an unwavering advocate of the men and women of our nation's armed forces," Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter said Thursday. "It gives me great personal pleasure to be able to honor him in this manner, and I thank him for his support and mentorship."
Warner retired this week after serving 30 years in the Senate, where he was a member of the Armed Services Committee.
He served as an enlisted sailor during World War II and as a Marine officer during the Korean War. He became Navy secretary in 1972.
As a senator in the mid-1990s, Warner was instrumental in blocking a Navy plan to ship submarine production entirely to Electric Boat in Groton, Conn. Instead, Electric Boat and Northrop Grumman build portions of each submarine.
Virginia-class subs carry out several missions, including surveillance of land and sea, mine delivery, minefield mapping and delivery of special forces.
Warner said he learned of the honor Wednesday night, in a phone call from President George W. Bush.
He said he had spoken Thursday to Winter and Defense Secretary Robert Gates to convey his thanks and express "my humble gratitude to all the sailors and Marines who whipped me into shape."
"I am deeply humbled and grateful to many, many people who made this thing possible," he added.
Pilot reporter Kate Wiltrout contributed to this report.
Dale Eisman, (703) 913-9872, dale.eisman@pilotonline.com
Matthew Jones, (757) 446-2949, matthew.jones@pilotonline.com
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Onto the commissioning of
Onto the commissioning of the USS RINO.
Warner??
I lost all faith in ex-Sen Warner when he didn't back the skipper of the USS Cole in his promotion...Warner would have not done any better had he been skipper at the time of attack. Then Warner turned against Gilmore recently...Warner in my opinion was a "turn-coat." Thank God he no longer represents Virginia.
You are Grumpy!
This is not about the outgoing President, whom you obviously hate. You Libs got a sub named after the 'Worst President Ever' (The USS Jimmy Carter, if you didn't know... and there will never be a USS Clinton, trust me). I don't begrudge him that particular honor however. He's a Naval Submariner veteran AND a former President. Seems appropriate.
This IS about a long serving Virginia Senator who was a Navy veteran and friend to the military. I especially like Senator Warner as he (and/or his office) always answers my emails with a detailed and concise response. I know they are canned, but many in the Senate do not even make that much effort. I, for one, will miss Senator Warner.
New Sub
John Warner is a great American and a great representative for Virginia. He distinguished himself throughout his career as putting Virginia first and politics last. It's an honor to have this sub have his name on it. We'd all be better off today if there were 534 other congressmen and congresswomen who had as much integrity and dignity. Thank you for your distinguished service Senator Warner.
Wrong Person!!
They named the submarine for the wrong person. A more appropriate name would have been the George Bush Jr. since his administration was at the helm when everything in the U.S. sank. LOL