Udall Statement on New U.S. Navy Submarine Being Named USS Colorado
Mark Udall released the following statement after Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced today that one of the next five Virginia-class attack submarines will be named USS Colorado; the other four will be named USS Illinois, USS Washington, USS Indiana and USS South Dakota. This will be the third ship to bear Colorado's name.
"I'm very pleased that Colorado will serve as the namesake of a Navy nuclear submarine," Udall said. "As the third ship named after our state, the USS Colorado will be an important part of our national security strategy and a technological marvel representing a long and distinguished heritage. Wherever she may go, the respect and pride of our entire state will go with the Colorado and her crew."
According to the Navy, each Virginia-class submarine is 7,800-tons and 377 feet in length, has a beam of 34 feet, and can operate at more than 25 knots submerged. It is designed with a reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship, reducing lifecycle costs while increasing underway time. These submarines will have the capability to attack targets ashore with highly accurate Tomahawk cruise missiles and conduct covert long-term surveillance of land areas, littoral waters or other sea-based forces. Other missions include anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare; mine delivery and minefield mapping; and special forces delivery and support. To read the Navy's original release, click HERE.