Northrop Grumman [NOC] this past weekend completed the final hull welds of the Virginia-class submarine USS New Mexico (SSN-779), the last major milestone before the ship’s christening later this year, the company reported.

This accomplishment, known as “pressure hull complete,” signifies the hull sections being joined to form a single unit. The New Mexico, the third Virginia-class submarine built at the Newport New shipyard, will be christened in 2008.

“Pressure hull completion is a major milestone in the shipbuilding process. She’s starting to take shape now–it’s a significant accomplishment and a proud occasion for all the folks who are constructing New Mexico,” Becky Stewart, vice president of submarine program for Northrop Grumman, said. “We’re on track to deliver the ship eight months ahead of schedule. That’s a testament to our shipbuilders who have taken ownership of our goals and are involved in process improvements, which allow us to meet our quality, cost and schedule commitments.”

Northrop Grumman and General Dynamics [GD] Electric Boat are building the Virginia-class submarines under a unique teaming arrangement.