Navy commissions USS Mississippi attack submarine

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (AP) — The Virginia-class Mississippi, a sophisticated attack Navy submarine, is going into active service.

The 377-foot sub arrived last month in Pascagoula and was commissioned Saturday.

Mississippi, which cost $2 billion to build, was delivered a year ahead of schedule and under budget, according to The (Jackson, Miss.) Clarion-Ledger.

This is the fifth Navy boat to carry the name. It is expected to remain in the fleet for about 30 years.

The submarine was christened at General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Conn., on Dec. 3 and has been through sea trials. The submarine will be assigned to Submarine Group Two.