SSN 792 PCU Vermont departing on its first voyage in open seas, alpha sea trials, on Sunday, March 15.
Team,
As I communicated earlier today, this is an unprecedented time for the world. While it is challenging to remain focused on our mission during this time, it is our responsibility to do so as we play a unique role in keeping our nation secure.
Yesterday, March 18, we achieved an important milestone when PCU Vermont (SSN 792) successfully completed alpha sea trials. This is my first opportunity to provide you with an update since returning. During alpha trials, the boat submerges for the first time and completes a range of submarine and propulsion-plant operations and high-speed runs on and below the surface to demonstrate that the ship’s propulsion plant is fully mission-capable. We also conduct hull and system integrity checks to ensure she is ready for unrestricted operations.
I am proud to report that PCU Vermont performed just as we designed and built her. She is an extraordinarily capable ship and is manned by a great team of submariners ready to take delivery and perform all the missions she is designed for in defense of our nation. I know you are proud of the work you do and you should feel even prouder today knowing that PCU Vermont was built right.
Personally, this was the first opportunity to be underway on a nuclear submarine since I left the Navy. While all of the evolutions we conducted on the trial felt very familiar, I was amazed by the incredible technology the ship is equipped with and all of the workmanship that went into making her ready. PCU Vermont and all of the ships of the Virginia Class are simply the best in the world.
Watching our trials team interact with the crew in putting the ship through its paces was a great experience. Often, here at EB, we talk about “what right looks like.” The professionalism and detailed knowledge displayed by EB and the ship’s crew, combined with the ship’s performance, leaves no question about what “right” looks like. I spoke with very young crew and trial team members, some who had never been to sea before, and also spoke with many seasoned and experienced sailors and EB team members.
In every case, I was impressed by their focus and dedication to the mission.
Following alpha trials, Vermont will undergo bravo trials which will focus on the boat’s acoustic and combat system performance. The third and final sea trial will lead to delivery and will be conducted by the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV).
Completion of alpha trials on PCU Vermont has been a long journey for EB and the rest of “team submarine.” The team remained resilient throughout a difficult certification process, knocking down each issue and challenge to ensure the boat was ready to safely head out to sea for the first time. When we identified our certification issue and took corrective action, I told the Navy we were going to get it right, and that it wasn’t going to be fast. We learned a hard lesson about our certification process, and we are now better for having fixed it.
While standing in the control room of PCU Vermont watching the ship rise up from test depth during the emergency blow, I reflected on what it meant to each of us. One thing immediately came to mind–we performed our mission–we delivered the advantage that protects our Sailors, our Families, and our Freedom.
Please accept my congratulations on a successful PCU Vermont alpha trial; you’ve earned it. Now, more than ever, we need to stay laser-focused on our mission.
Kevin Graney
