Learn About the 777, the “Tarheel Boat”
The USS North Carolina SSN 777 is a Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine. Commissioned on May 3, 2008, in Wilmington, NC, the “Tarheel Boat” is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to bear the name of North Carolina. There was also an ill-fated ship in the Confederate Navy, CSS North Carolina.Since 2010, the submarine’s home-port has been Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
The North Carolina is the fourth submarine in the Virginia class, the Navy's newest class of submarine and the first ship designed for the post-Cold War environment. It is designed to operate with stealth, agility and endurance in the world's littoral regions, as well as the deep oceans. It has improved stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and special warfare enhancements that will enable it to meet the Navy's multi-mission requirements.
The SSN 777 measures 377 feet long, displaces 7,800 tons when submerged and is manned by a crew of 130. This state-of-the-art submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of combat missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, strike, naval special warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare and mine warfare.
Follow the crew on the SSN 777 Facebook page!
In 2010, CNET reporter Daniel Terdiman had the rare opportunity to tour the 777 and his article “Inside the World’s Most Advanced Submarine” provides a great look at the technologically advanced systems onboard the Boat.
Want to read more about the 777? Here are some places to visit:
“As the fourth ship to carry the name North Carolina, this boat will bear an illustrious name, and follow in North Carolina's long and honored tradition as the home of military heroes. She now joins the world's greatest Navy, and will be tasked with a wide range of missions in support of battle groups, in reconnaissance and surveillance missions, in special operations, and as part of the submarine force that continues to deter aggression from every potential foe.”
Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter, Commissioning Ceremony, May 2008
The North Carolina Legacy
Learn more about all the ships named for the state of North Carolina.