8 | 3 | 2015
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Warner Commissioned The Virginia-class attack submarine USS John Warner (SSN 785) was commissioned during a ceremony attended by more than 2,500 in its future homeport of Naval Station Norfolk, Saturday, Aug. 1. “Let them know of your presence and your determination to defend freedom,” said Sen. John Warner, as he addressed the audience and the ship’s crew. “Defend the sea lanes of the world which are the very arteries of international commerce. Manned by our submarines, our surface ships, and naval aircraft, we are carefully working to keep those sea lanes open - not just for us but for all.” The keynote speaker for the commissioning ceremony was Adm. Jonathan Greenert, chief of Naval Operations. “This boat is the latest incarnation of American sea power, and is a strategic asset for this country,” said Greenert. “This affords us what we refer to as global access, and it is fundamental to any mission that you ask your military to do. Frankly, we are challenged in space, we are challenged in cyber, we are challenged in the air and we are challenged on the surface. We are not currently challenged in the undersea. We own the undersea domain. We must keep that situation as we go into the future.” Warner is the second of eight Block III Virginia-class submarines to be built. “You are at a formative stage as a crew,” said Vice Adm. Michael Connor, commander, Submarine Forces. “If you approach your important duties with the same commitment as your namesake there is no doubt that the USS John Warner will enjoy a lifetime of future accomplishments that parallels the future trajectory of Petty Officer Third Class John Warner.” Cmdr. Daniel B. Caldwell, commanding officer, then asked Mrs. Warner to bring the ship to life, joining USS John Warner to the Navy’s submarine force.
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Sailors man the rails as they bring the ship to life during the commissioning ceremony for USS John Warner (SSN 785) at Naval Station Norfolk. U.S. Navy photo
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