The commanding officer of Pre-Commissioning Unit Mississippi (SSN 782) is visiting the submarine’s namesake state Feb. 19-21 in preparation for the upcoming commissioning this summer.
“It’s great to have another opportunity to visit the state of Mississippi and the Ole Miss NROTC unit. We continue to enjoy tremendous support from all around the state and particularly from our commissioning committee, ” said Capt. John McGrath .
During his visit, McGrath will meet with University of Mississippi and University of Memphis NROTC midshipman and their faculty; members of the Mississippi Commissioning Committee; Eastern Mississippi Business Council and the mayor of Pascagoula.
McGrath is conducting the namesake visit to draw awareness to the upcoming commissioning of the newest Virginia-class attack submarine, which will be commissioned in Pascagoula, June 2.
McGrath, a native of Neptune, N.J., leads a crew of about 140 officers and enlisted personnel. He graduated with distinction from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1990, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.
Virginia-class submarines are built under a unique teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries – Newport News. Construction on the submarine began in February 2007 and will be delivered this spring.
Mississippi, like all Virginia-class submarines is designed to dominate both the littorals and deep oceans. It will serve as a valuable asset in supporting the core capabilities of maritime strategy, including sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , February 21, 2012; Image: navy