Navy christens submarine Colorado at Connecticut shipyard

GROTON, Conn. (AP) -- The Navy has christened its newest attack submarine, a $2.7 billion vessel named for the state of Colorado.

The 377-foot-long Colorado is the 15th in the Virginia class of attack submarines, which are equipped to carry out warfare against submarines and surface ships as well as conducting surveillance and delivering Special Operations troops.

The submarines are built in a partnership between Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia at a cost of $2.7 billion apiece. Construction of the Colorado began in March 2012 and its contract calls for delivery to the Navy by September.

#SSN788’s sponsor Anne Mabus has christened #USNavy's future #USSColorado, which is scheduled to join our fleet next year. #PlatformsMatter pic.twitter.com/VVyvs7W340

— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) December 3, 2016

The Colorado's sponsor is Annie Mabus, the daughter of Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus. The christening ceremony took place Saturday at the Electric Boat shipyard in Groton, Connecticut.