April 13, 2012
04/16/12 Senator Dan Coats (R-Ind.) Friday issued the following statement after United States Navy Secretary Ray Mabus announced that the Navy will name one of its newest fast-attack submarines USS Indiana (SSN 789):
“I join all Hoosiers today in proudly welcoming USS Indiana to the world’s greatest Navy. As the third U.S. Navy ship to be named after the Hoosier state, USS Indiana honors our state’s strong naval heritage and dedication to maintaining freedom of the seas. Although not a coastal state, Indiana is a significant contributor to the U.S. Navy’s mission and home to Naval Support Activity Crane, one of the largest naval installations in the world. Today Indiana and the thousands of Hoosiers who have served in the U.S. Navy celebrate the latest addition to the Navy’s fleet.”
Attack submarines contain Tomahawk cruise missiles and Special Operation Forces to seek and destroy enemy submarines and ships, execute Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, and engage in mine warfare.