August ’24 Newsletter

Ensuring Readiness: Acoustic and Weapons Testing for Virginia-Class Submarine

USS NEW JERSEY (SSN 796) is currently striving to meet its next milestone, successfully completing a series of acoustic and weapons tests. These tests are essential for validating the submarine’s stealth capabilities and combat readiness before it joins the naval fleet.

Acoustic testing is crucial for ensuring the submarine’s stealth, a defining characteristic of Virginia-class submarines. By minimizing noise emissions, these submarines can operate undetected in hostile environments, providing a strategic advantage. During testing, engineers meticulously measure and analyze the submarine’s acoustic signature, identifying and mitigating any noise sources. This process ensures that the submarine remains as silent as possible, enhancing its ability to evade detection by enemy forces.

Weapons testing, on the other hand, evaluates the submarine’s ability to deploy its arsenal effectively. The recent tests demonstrated the submarine’s proficiency in launching torpedoes and cruise missiles with precision. These exercises are vital for confirming that 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 importance of acoustic and weapons testing cannot be overstated. Acoustic stealth is a key element of a submarine’s operational effectiveness, allowing it to gather intelligence, conduct surveillance, and engage targets without being detected. Weapons testing ensures that the submarine can deliver powerful strikes when necessary, maintaining a credible deterrent against potential adversaries.

As the submarine approaches its final commissioning, the crew and engineering teams continue to focus on optimizing every system. The successful completion of these tests will mark a significant step forward, bringing the Navy closer to integrating another advanced asset into its fleet.

Stay tuned for more updates as NEW JERSEY nears its official commissioning on September 14, 2024 and begins its service, contributing to the defense and security of our nation.

Submarine Organization – Navigation Department

Responsible for the safe transit and navigation of the submarine to fulfill its duties. The Navigation Department is led by the Navigator (NAV) who reports directly to the Commanding Officer (CO), Assistant Navigator (ANAV), and a team of Navigation Electronic Technicians (ET’s).

Primary duties include maintaining charts and positions of where the submarine’s location is at all times both on the surface and while submerged. Navigation team works with the Officer of the Deck (OOD) and Conning Officer (CON) to ensure safe effective passage of the submarine to where it needs to go to complete their missions. They are also responsible for operating and maintaining the Navigation equipment on board. Systems and methods used to establish ship’s location and heading includes GPS, NAVSAT and Inertial Navigation systems as well as using traditional methods like dead reckoning and visual fixes while on the surface.

FOUR New Jersey Defense Contractors

Thousands of manufacturers, suppliers, and contractors are used in the building of a submarine. The Submarine Industrial Base Council supports these entities, of which many are located in the state of New Jersey. We’ve had the fortune to partner with 4 of them – a brief description follows.

L3Harris provides unique undersea sensors, interior communication, and power systems for all US Navy submarines. These capabilities include optical systems for submarine periscopes, radar systems, masts for communication and radio frequency sensor antenna systems, fixed and towed acoustic sensors for underwater detection and avoidance, power conversion, power distribution, power protection, and battery monitoring systems for internal electrical distribution.

We are proud and deeply humbled to be a part of the US Navy’s long-standing tradition of submarine commissioning. We are also excited to recognize and honor the crew who will sail this amazingly capable submarine into harm’s way to protect and defend our freedom.

For over 80 years, Marotta Controls has been at the forefront of designing mission-critical applications for extreme environments. Specializing in customized motion, flow, and electronic control systems, Marotta Controls offers the most efficient and effective solutions for Marine, Aerospace, Space, and Weapons Systems. Since 1943, we have delivered innovative control systems for power, pressure, and position on advanced defense platforms worldwide.

We are proud to support and sponsor the upcoming USS NJ Commissioning Ceremony!

DC Fabricators, located on the Delaware River in Florence, NJ, has been one the primary thermal transfer system suppliers to the US Navy for over 50 years. We employ more than 125 people and are continuing to make the necessary investments in plant and personnel to continue our ability to support the submarine and aircraft carrier programs. We are proud of our heavy fabrication abilities and the work we do to support the safety of our men and women in the US Navy. The company thoroughly enjoyed hosting the NEW JERSEY crew during a recent crew visit, and are thrilled with the chance to be part of their commissioning.

Imperial Weld Ring is a small, family-owned, third generation business started in Elizabeth, NJ in 1959 by the Sierra family. The company started out in a small building in Elizabeth’s port section, but soon outgrew its original location and moved to Front Street in 1969 where it currently still operates. From its facility in Elizabeth, NJ, Imperial serves customers worldwide.

Imperial designs and manufactures metal rings and weld wire inserts used for welding metal pipes and tubes in applications that require the highest quality welds and consistent reliability. Imperial’s rings are utilized in numerous industries including power generation, refrigeration plants, large OEM applications, and of course, shipbuilding. The US Navy relies on Imperial’s parts to ensure defect free welds in the construction of its nuclear fleet of aircraft carriers and submarines.

Crew Visit

After a long break due to operational commitments, we were able to get another successful crew visit in. Eight crew members, including the new COB, visited New Jersey in late July.

As per our mission, we introduced crew members to New Jersey – its culture, its history, its people, its links to national defense, etc. while allowing New Jersey residents and public officials to gain an appreciation of the navy, submarines, and the USS NEW JERSEY! And a little fun was sprinkled in.

An action packed schedule included:

A visit to the sub’s big sister – USS NEW JERSEY (BB62). Thanks to Ryan and staff for a wonderful tour.
The crew got to see their names and pictures on the Jumbotron while enjoying a ballgame, courtesy of the Somerset Patriots. Mingling with the crowd added to the experience.
Marotta Controls, a commissioning sponsor and major contributor of parts for the submarine, rolled out the red carpet. An extensive tour followed a presentation – giving the sailors an appreciation of the dedication to excellence of the contractors who support the shipbuilding industry.
On to the historic Morristown area. After a quick ice cream at a local creamery, County Commissioner Krikus walked the crew through the historic Morristoen green, explaining significant historical events of the revolution. This was followed by a visit to Washington’s headquarters where the crew got to meet public officials and townspeople and got a tour of the museum. Thanks to Congresswoman Sherrill’s staff for arranging the afternoon.
Outreach to children is critical to the navy mission. The crew stopped at Drew University to spend time with over 120 Madison YMCA campers and answer questions. University President Hilary Link joined in the session.
Outreach continued, as the crew settled in with locals from Aberdeen, NJ. Alternate Ending, a sponsor for the commissioning reception sponsored at “meet the sailors” event at their brewpub/restaurant.
A crew visit staple – a trip to a “jersey diner” where the crew got to pick their favorite – pork roll or Taylor ham.
An absolute highlight – the boat was given a “one of a kind, customized NJ license plate” as a gift from the SubVet organization. Presented by Calvin Moon – 100 years old and the oldest living NJ WWII submarine veteran.
Before heading back to Norfolk, the crew traveled to Lititz, PA to visit Fluid Conditioning Products where President Susan Dave Niggel and her team gave the group a tour of their facility where they manufacture precision filters and sent them on their way with local chocolates and pretzels.

Needless to say, the crew needed some sleep on the way back to Norfolk, where they would get underway shortly.

The committee is proud to have supported these trips over the “pre-commissioning” years. Over 120 sailors have enjoyed New Jersey (and vice versa).

We have every intention of continuing these trips after the boat becomes operational.

MERCHANDISE! Get your 796 gear NOW!

Show your support for the USS New Jersey’s commissioning by enjoying your favorite hot or cold drink in a 20 oz. Yeti Tumbler. Our newest addition to our online store, this Yeti features the boat’s seal and commissioning date. Available in black, blue, and red, the tumbler and lid are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

VISIT OUR STORE AT https://ussnjcc.myshopify.com/

12 August 2024 / Author: njcommissioning.com / Posted in: Events, Newsletters

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