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USS Hawaii - Virginia Class Submarine

 It is an exciting time in the Aloha State as we welcome the USS Hawaii to its new home at Pearl Harbor.  The USS Hawaii, the first named after our fair state, is one of the three Virginia-class submarines currently commissioned by the United States Navy.

In laymen's terms, a Virginia-class submarine is an attack submarine.  Traditional submarines are most equipped for near-shore combat, but the Virginia- class is not only suited for near shore excursions, but open-ocean deployments.  According to the Navy, on board the USS Hawaii, digital cameras replace the traditional periscope, and hydrophones allow the crew to listen to their surroundings.  This class of submarine is also equipped with everything needed for a variety of battle situations, whether the mission is mapping out minefields or keeping surveillance.

The move to Hawaii is part of the Navy's strategic shift to move over half of its fleet into ports throughout the Pacific Ocean, while leaving the other 40 percent still stationed in the Atlantic.  The USS Hawaii, though it has only been in active service since 2007, has already been awarded the U.S Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation on the very first deployment mission.

Two years later, on July 23, 2009, the USS Hawaii has finally arrived in Pearl Harbor and it received a sailor's welcome.  Adorned with a lei suited for a submarine, the USS Hawaii was greeted by anxious family members, excited spectators, and even received a special welcome from Governor Linda Lingle, upon arrival at Pearl Harbor.  At the ceremony, the Hawaii Air National Guard provided a fly-over, the traditional blessing was said over the vessel, and the beautiful hula dancers, were just part of the festivities.

The arrival of the USS Hawaii is even more exciting to Hawaii residents as the arrival of the submarine is just in time to mark the 50th Anniversary of Hawaii's statehood.

For more information on the USS Hawaii visit :USS Hawaii

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