Heinrich Resolution Honoring USS New Mexico Passes The House Of Representatives

Press Release

USS New Mexico Recognized As One Of The Most Advanced Submarines In U.S. Navy

A bill sponsored by Representative Martin Heinrich to honor the USS New Mexico as one of the most advanced submarines in U.S. Navy history passed the House of Representatives today by a vote of 378 to 1.

"Constructed nearly four months ahead of schedule, this world-class platform contains some of the most advanced technologies in the entire force. Among its many capabilities, this nuclear submarine will be able to attack targets ashore with highly-accurate Tomahawk missiles, while also conducting covert surveillance missions in both deep and littoral waters," said Rep. Heinrich on the floor of the House today.

Rep. Heinrich introduced H.R. 1132 to honor the USS New Mexico as the sixth Virginia-class submarine commissioned by the U.S. Navy to protect and defend the United States of America. The USS New Mexico was commissioned on March 27, 2010 at Norfolk Naval Base in Virginia.

Rep. Heinrich's prepared remarks from today are below:

Madam Speaker, I rise today to support House Resolution 1132, honoring the USS New Mexico as the sixth Virginia-class submarine commissioned by the U.S. Navy to protect and defend the United States of America.

I would like to thank my New Mexico colleagues Mr. Teague and Mr. Luján for their work in bringing this resolution to the floor.

The USS New Mexico was commissioned on March 27th, 2010 as the newest Virginia-class fast-attack submarine in the United States Navy. I was incredibly proud to be at Norfolk Naval Base that day, to commission the submarine and to salute the officers and crew as they set out to protect our nation at sea.

Constructed nearly four months ahead of schedule, this world-class platform contains some of the most advanced technologies in the entire force.

Among its many capabilities, this nuclear submarine will be able to attack targets ashore with highly-accurate Tomahawk missiles, while also conducting covert surveillance missions in both deep and littoral waters. This fast-attack sub will move at speeds of more than 25 knots while submerged and remain underwater for extended periods of time.

Advances in technology have allowed the submarine to no longer require periscopes, and instead use high-resolution cameras incorporated with light and infrared sensors to guide the ship.

The New Mexico will provide important battle group and joint task force support, ensuring stealth, endurance, and agility under the sea.

As a proud New Mexican, I would like to personally thank the USS New Mexico Commissioning Committee of the Navy League's statewide council for leading a 5-year initiative to name the sixth Virginia-class submarine after the "Land of Enchantment." They have also played a tremendous role in preparing construction milestone ceremonies and supporting crew activities throughout the construction of the ship.

I would also wish to congratulate Ms. Emilee Sena of Albuquerque for submitting the winning design for the crest of the USS New Mexico.

Finally, I would like to recognize the Commander Mark Prokopius, Commanding Officer of the USS New Mexico, and his crew for working to incorporate a sense of New Mexican culture within the ship, including naming the ship's galley "La Posta" after a restaurant in Mesilla, New Mexico.

Madam Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in congratulating the U.S. Navy and the crew of the USS New Mexico on its commissioning and thanking the hard-working shipbuilders who constructed one of the most advanced ships to ever patrol the seas.

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