WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall, D-NM, today released the following statement in advance of the commissioning on Saturday of the Navy's newest Virginia-class attack submarine, the USS New Mexico, during a ceremony in Norfolk, Va.:
"It is an honor to know that a submarine named in honor of New Mexico will be traveling the world, protecting the freedoms the people of our state hold so dear. I join my fellow New Mexicans in wishing the commander and crew of the New Mexico safe travels and Godspeed. You make us proud, and we are so thankful for your service and sacrifice."
Additional Background:
The state of New Mexico will be celebrated in Norfolk, Va., this weekend as the Navy commissions its newest submarine, the USS New Mexico, named in recognition of the Land of Enchantment. This new submarine is the second vessel named in honor of the state of New Mexico, following in the proud tradition of the battleship New Mexico, which earned six battle stars for World War II service.
The submarine will carry a crest designed by a young woman from Albuquerque. As a senior at St. Pius X High School in 2007, Emilee Sena submitted her design as an oil painting that includes a New Mexico sunset, the Sandia Mountains, and the Zia symbol representing the New Mexico state flag all surrounding a drawing of the submarine New Mexico itself.
The commissioning event will be streamed live on Saturday at www.navy.mil .
