USS Texas (SSN-775)

• Second Submarine Named Texas: USS Texas (SSN-775) is the second U.S. Navy ship to bear the name, following the famed battleship USS Texas (BB-35) from World War I and II. • Virginia-Class Innovation: As the second vessel of the Virginia class, USS Texas showcases cutting-edge submarine technology, including advanced stealth, surveillance, and special warfare capabilities. • Keel Laying Ceremony: The submarine's keel was laid down on July 12, 2002, at Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia, marking the official start of its construction. • Christened by Texas First Lady: The ship was christened on July 31, 2004, by Laura Bush, the then-First Lady of the United States and a native Texan. • Commissioning Date: USS Texas was officially commissioned into service on September 9, 2006, becoming a fully operational member of the U.S. Navy fleet. • Homeport: The submarine is homeported at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, serving as a crucial asset in the U.S. Pacific Fleet. • Mission Versatility: Designed for both open-ocean and littoral (coastal) operations, USS Texas can perform anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and special forces delivery. • First in Her Class with Photonic Masts: The Virginia-class, including USS Texas, replaced traditional optical periscopes with photonic masts, which use electronic imaging sensors instead of mirrors and prisms. • Support for SEAL Operations: The submarine can deploy Navy SEALs using a reconfigurable torpedo room and a lock-in/lock-out chamber for covert operations. • Texas Pride: The crew and ship have a strong connection to their namesake state, often participating in Texas-themed events and outreach, strengthening ties between the Navy and the people of Texas.