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Groton, Conn. (July 30, 2004) - The nationÕs newest and most advanced nuclear-powered attack submarine and the lead ship of its class, PCU Virginia (SSN 774) returns to the General Dynamics Electric Boat shipyard following the successful completion of its first voyage in open seas called "alpha" sea trials. Virginia is the NavyÕs only major combatant ready to join the fleet that was designed with the post-Cold War security environment in mind and embodies the war fighting and operational capabilities required to dominate the littorals while maintaining undersea dominance in the open ocean. Virginia and the rest of the ships of its class are designed specifically to incorporate emergent technologies that will provide new capabilities to meet new threats. Virginia will be delivered to the U.S. Navy this fall. U.S. Navy photo by General Dynamics Electric Boat (RELEASED)
by Michael Willoughby
The US Navy has resupplied a submarine with a commercial drone, according to Forbes.
A four-rotor UAV served USS Hawaii a mile off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii.
The drone was carrying circuit cards, medical supplies and food.
The Navy intends the drones to supply submarines with payloads from medical supplies to replacement parts.
The Navy had previously been using more expensive, riskier helicopter missions which could be freed up for more important missions using drones.
The Navy cannot yet deliver large payloads to submarines out on longer missions but this is the ultimate goal.
