The Navy conducted multiple launches of Tomahawk cruise missiles from USS Virginia (SSN 774) in August in the as part of the program's developmental and operational testing efforts. The test launches, the first ever for a Virginia-class submarine, included the launch and extended flight of multiple missiles to demonstrate the 's launch capabilities. “Completing the Tomahawk flight tests is an important milestone in proving the class design and brings us a significant step closer to the program's full rate production decision in 2009,” said Rear Adm. (sel.) David Johnson, Virginia Class program manager. “The Virginia Class was conceived and designed as a multi-purpose warship and these flight tests are another indication of the significant capabilities a submarine brings to the fight…