Subsim's Continuing USS TEXAS coverage

[LoBlo]

Cool deal. Do you get to go to the Commissioning ceremony for the USS Texas in Galveston too?

Here's my question: What does a civilian have to do to get a tour of his boat

[Onkel Neal]

Wha --? No, no, real questions Don't make me think the DW crowd doesn't have questions about the Virginia class:hmm:

[Sea Demon]

1. Are Seawolf and Virginia technologically at the same level, other than just the few differences in the different configurations we've seen in public reports (VLS, new sub control interfaces, etc.)?

2. What strengths does Virginia improve over Seawolf?

3. Is Virginia easier to maintain than Seawolf?

I know the CO may not have total answers for these as the info may be classified. I don't want to compromise national security, but I'd like to know these things.

[PeriscopeDepth]

I'm sure if it's classified stuff he won't be talking about it. Alright Neal, here are some from me:

1) What do you like the most about the Virginia boats?

2) If you're not already, I'd ask him to tell a funny/interesting sea story.

3) Is the Virginia class an evolutionary or revolutionary step in SSN design? Explain.

4) Are living conditions on the Virginias better/worse than previous classes?

PD

[LoBlo]

Honestly... every question that I can think of either sounds pretty cheesy, or sounds like something that he wouldn't be able to tell us anyway...:hmm:

How about this:

1. In your experience, how will this deployment differ from your previous deployments. Does the fact that the Texas is of a brand new ship class change or alter the experience any?

2. Being that the Texas is a brand new ship and only the 2nd of its kind, is there any paticular vibe from the crew that you feel is different than what you've experienced in the past?

3. Are you a Texas native yourself? What does it mean to you that your ship is named after the very best state in all America?

4. Are there any special or paticular words that you would choose to characterize the "feel" of the ship itself?

5. In general what are your hopes in regards to the future of the Virginia class subs? What would you like to see in terms of the future of the class?

That should do the trick.

Some Edits to wording

[Onkel Neal]

Now we're talking! Thanks, anyone else?

I think it's always more interesting to hear what you think.

[Camaero]

Hey, I can't really think of any questions, but I can't wait to read the answers! Looking forward to it.

[Henson]

If you want to be a smartass ask him how two people can safely drive and trim the boat in the event of a catastrophic loss of electircal power.

Please don't really ask that, but I AM curious to know how they justified the new ships control party (pilot/copilot...how Seaquest is that??). The whole pilot/copilot thing intrigues me, but the learning process from helmsman --> COW --> Dive seems like it will get short-circuited somewhere and we're going to lose some proficiency at shiphandling. I'm not normally a traditionalist, but...we're not australians. 5 drivers made me feel safer.

[Driftwood]

Originally Posted by LoBlo

3. Are you a Texas native yourself? What does it mean to you that your ship is named after the very best state in all America?
Some Edits to wording

I completely agree! That is.......Right after North Carolina! Which I believe is getting commissioned in the next year! AND we have great barbeque up here too! Sorry, couldn't resist!