USA's newest and most advanced nuclear-powered attack submarine, 'Mississippi' (SSN-782), returned to the Electric Boat shipyard today following the successful completion of its first voyage in open seas, called 'alpha sea trials'.

'Mississippi' is the ninth ship of the Virginia Class, the most-capable class of attack submarines ever built. Electric Boat is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics.

During the alpha sea trials, Mississippi submerged for the first time and conducted high-speed runs on and under the surface to demonstrate that the submarine's propulsion plant is fully mission-capable.

The sea trials were conducted by Adm. Kirkland Donald, director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion. Also participating in the sea trials were Rear Admiral David Johnson, program executive officer of Submarines; Rear Admiral Richard Breckenridge, commander of Submarine Group Two; Rear Admiral (Select) Michael E. Jabaley, program manager of the Virginia-class Submarine Program; Captain Darlene Grasdock, supervisor of shipbuilding in Groton; Kevin J. Poitras, Electric Boat senior vice president of Engineering and Design Programs; John Holmander, Electric Boat vice president (Virginia Program); and Joseph A. Walsh, Electric Boat vice president of Operations.

The 'Mississippi' is commanded by Capt. John McGrath.

Electric Boat and its major subcontractor, Newport News Shipbuilding, have received contracts to build the first 18 submarines of a planned 30-ship Virginia Class under a unique teaming agreement.