Just a couple of months after completing an engineered refueling overhaul on Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Cheyenne (SSN 773), Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery received delivery of Virginia-class attack submarine USS New Mexico (SSN 779) for a major overhaul.
The sub and its crew of more than 120 sailors arrived at the shipyard in recent days.
“The arrival of New Mexico is a significant event for our shipyard and the nation,” said Capt. Jesse Nice, the shipyard’s commander.
The mission is to deliver a modernized, more lethal submarine back to the fleet, he said.
That includes extensive maintenance and critical system upgrades to bolster operational readiness. The modernization hinges on detailed planning and collaboration between the shipyard, which has dedicated a team to the project, working in partnership with the ship’s crew.
‘Thousands of moving parts’
Patrick Coleman, project superintendent for New Mexico, spoke to the complexity of the project, citing “thousands of moving parts” and months-long preparation.
New Mexico last departed the shipyard in December 2019. Since then, it’s completed several significant deployments and exercises. In 2025, the sub won the Commander Submarine Squadron 6 Battle Efficiency award.
The overhaul is a priority for the Navy, said Capt. Jason Deichler, commodore of Submarine Squadron Two.
Fast-attack submarines are multi-mission platforms designed to excel in anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare and having precision strike capabilities hundreds of miles inland, according to the release. Missions include deploying special operations forces and conducting covert surveillance.
New Mexico’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Joseph Kimock assumed command Jan. 28. The sub’s host community is Portsmouth, N.H.