New Virginia Class Sub Arrives in Pascagoula for Commissioning

'Mississippi' (SSN 782) has arrived at Pascagoula to prepare for the attack submarine's commissioning

Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Mississippi (SSN 782) Mississippi, like all other 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: Sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence.


"As we approached the Port of Pascagoula during the early morning hours and watched the sun rise over the Gulf of Mexico, I was humbled in knowing that we are embarking on a truly amazing commissioning week that we and the state of Mississippi will always remember," said Capt. John McGrath, PCU Mississippi's commanding officer."

The first Mississippi, a paddle frigate commissioned on Dec. 22, 1841, was the first ship of the United States to bear the name of the state Mississippi. The second Mississippi (BB 23), a 13,000-ton battleship, was launched on September 1905 and commissioned at Philadelphia Navy Yard on Feb. 1, 1908. The third Mississippi (BB 41), a New-Mexico class battleship, was commissioned in 1917 and served in the Pacific in World War II. The fourth Mississippi (CGN 40), a Virginia-class, nuclear powered guided-missile cruiser, was commissioned on Aug. 5, 1978 by then-President Jimmy Carter.