The new USS Virginia (SSN 774) attack submarine launched three Tomahawk cruise missiles as part of its operational evaluation, the Navy announced.
First, the Virginia launched two Block III Tomahawks, one from a vertical launch tube and another from a torpedo tube.
Then it fired a Block IV Tomahawk from a vertical tube.
These launches mark the first time that a Virginia Class submarine launched Tomahawk missiles, the Navy reported.
The Virginia, the first ship in its class, is currently executing operational evaluation testing that is designed to evaluate its war fighting capabilities in operationally realistic and demanding scenarios across its seven mission areas — anti-submarine; anti-surface ship; strike; naval special warfare; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; battle group support; and mine warfare. The tests will continue through the fall.