LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Virginia Class Submarine: Cold War
built 605 days ago
The Virginia Class submarine is the first U.S. Navy combatant to be designed for post-Cold War missions. It is capable of operating in blue water (open ocean) as well as in the littorals (close to shore). The Virginia Class is designed for a full range of mission capabilities such as:
Source:
The Virginia class submarines are the first class of submarine to be designed and influenced by post-Cold War needs. With the emphasis no longer on open ocean SLOC (Sea Lanes of Communication) warfare against the Warsaw Pact, the Virginia, though still capable of traditional "blue water" deep ocean missions, focuses on "littoral" missions, specifically special operations support, intelligence gathering, and counter mine operations. While it carries the same weapons as its Cold War predecessors (the Seawolf class and Los Angeles class attack submarines) its weapon loadout is significantly smaller (roughly half that of the Sea Wolf.) In addition, where the Seawolf featured eight 660mm "swimout" low transient signature torpedo tubes, the Virginia is armed with only four conventional 533mm tubes. The Virginias ... are the first class of submarine specifically built to incorporate the regular use of ROV sensors.
Source:
The Virginia class attack submarine is an advanced stealth multi-mission nuclear-powered submarine for deep ocean anti-submarine warfare and littoral (shallow water) operations. They were designed as a cheaper alternative to the Cold War era Seawolf class and are slated to replace the aging Los Angeles class, thirteen of which have already been decommissioned.
Source:
The Virginia Class submarine will provide the U. S. Navy the capabilities required to maintain the nation’s undersea supremacy well into the 21st century. It will have improved stealthiness, sophisticated surveillance capabilities, and special warfare enhancements to meet the Navy’s multi-mission requirements.
Source:
VIRGINIA-Class will support the full spectrum of special warfare requirements. It has an integral nine-man lockout chamber and can host the Advanced SEAL Delivery System mini-sub or a dry deck shelter for special forces’ vehicles and equipment. In addition, the VIRGINIA-Class torpedo room can be reconfigured to accommodate a larger number of special operations troops.
Source:
MORE ABOUT
Cold War