Sub delivered ahead of schedule

GROTON, Conn. -- General Dynamics Electric Boat today delivered the nuclear-powered attack submarine Mississippi, SSN-782, to the U.S. Navy 363 days ahead of contract schedule and more than $60 million below target cost. John Holmander, vice president and Virginia program manager for General Dynamics Electric Boat, noted that the ship is at the most combat-ready state of any Virginia-class submarine at delivery. Mississippi, the ninth ship of the class, will join the fleet in a commissioning ceremony June 2 in Pascagoula, Miss. (Source: General Dynamics, 05/02/12)