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USS New Mexico Commissioned

By KRWG News

New Mexico – The Navy has commissioned its newest nuclear-powered submarine.

The 377-foot-long New Mexico was formally accepted Saturday at Naval Station Norfolk.

The $2.3 billion Virginia-class attack submarine was built at the nearby Northrop Grumman Shipyard in partnership with General Dynamics Electric Boat. It was delivered to the Navy four months early.

The 7,800-ton ship can dive to depths greater than 800 feet, operate at speeds topping 25 knots and remain submerged for three months.

The New Mexico ultimately will be home-ported in Groton, Conn.

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.