Navy to name submarine after John Warner

-- The next attack submarine built in Virginia will be named for the state's just-retired U.S. senator, John W. Warner.

The U.S. Navy yesterday said the Virginia-class sub will be built by Northrop Grumman's Newport News shipyard, in a partnership with General Dynamic's Electric Boat unit, of Groton, Conn.

The Navy recently announced a $14-billion contract for eight Virginia-class submarines over the next five years. The 7,800-ton, nuclear-powered vessel carries a crew of 132 and is armed, with 12 Tomahawk cruise missiles.

The Republican is a long-time advocate for the military, serving as Navy secretary before his 30 years in the Senate, where he headed the Armed Services committee.

In announcing the honor, the Navy said Warner "has shown unwavering support for the men and women of the armed forces, and has been champion of modernizing the structure and operations of the military to ensure its effectiveness in the 21st century."

"This is a richly deserved salute to a fellow Marine, a sailor and former Navy secretary who has done as much for military people as anyone alive," said the state's new senior U.S. senator, Democrat Jim Webb.

--Jeff E. Schapiro