With final preparations underway for the commissioning of the USS New Jersey (SSN796) set for the Leonardo pier of Naval Weapons Station Earle Saturday, September 14, the submarine is meeting its next milestone, successfully completing a series of acoustic and weapons tests, essential for validating the submarine’s stealth capabilities and combat readiness before it joins the Navy fleet.
Acoustic testing is crucial for ensuring the submarine’s stealth, a defining characteristic of Virginia-class submarines. By minimizing noise emissions, these subs can operate undetected in hostile environments, providing a strategic advantage.
During testing, engineers measure and analyze the submarine’s acoustic signature, identifying and mitigating any noise sources. The process ensures the sub remains as silent as possible, enhancing its ability to evade detection by enemy forces.
The Navigation Department is responsible for maintaining charts and positions of the submarine both while she is on the surface and submerged.
That department is led by the Navigator who reports directly to the commanding officer, the Assistant Navigator and a team of Navigation Electronic Technicians.
They are also responsible for operating and maintaining the navigation equipment on board, using systems and methods including GOP, NAVSAT and Inertial Navigation systems together with traditional methods to establish the ship’s location and heading
L3Harris, Marotta Controls, DE Fabricators and Imperial Weld Ring are four of the many New Jersey manufacturers, suppliers and contractors who have been involved in building the USS New Jersey.
The USS New Jersey Commissioning Committee has partnered with them in the preparations and financing of the commission ceremonies.
Weapons testing is also underway evaluating the submarine’s ability to deploy its arsenal effectively. Recent tests demonstrated the submarine’s proficiency in launching torpedoes and cruise missiles with precision, vital exercises for confirming the submarine can execute its offensive capabilities reliably in real-world scenarios.
The successful completion of these tests validates the design and engineering of New Jersey affirming her role as a formidable force in modern naval warfare.
The current Submarine crew is new since the first crew visited the Monmouth County area last year, and this crew has also been introduced to the state, its culture, history and people as well as its links to national defense in a recent visit to the state.
The visits also enable state residents and public officials to gain an appreciation of the navy, submarines, and specifically this boat, the third Navy vessel to be named for the state.
For further information on the New Jersey Commissioning Committee or to purchase souvenirs of the new ship, visit the Commissioning committee’s site at https://ussnjcc.myshopify.com/
