We have been anxiously awaiting confirmation of a commissioning date by the Navy. We had been working towards a target date of October 21st, but were recently informed that March 17th is the most probable date for Commissioning. This date is circulating with Navy circles, but needs to be formally approved by the Secretary of the Navy before it becomes official. The commissioning will now occur near the end of the post construction shakedown period instead of before. This was done to provide margin in event any construction issues arise during the upcoming sea trials and to provide more lead time for planning / contracting. While we are disappointed that the commissioning will be delayed, it gives us even more time to plan a great celebration!

Meanwhile  the crew has been busy with their preparations for sea trials. They are undergoing a series of events, namely Dock Trials and Fast Cruise and completing their crew certification to take the boat to sea for the first time. We anticipate their sea trials will commence in the very near future..