USS Norfolk (SSN-714) FLT I Black Hull Submarine Model. Sail again with the crew of the USS Norfolk (SSN-714) FLT I in this handcrafted wooden Submarine Model. Each piece is carved from wood and handpainted to provide a piece you’ll love. Length – 20 inches. US Veteran Owned Business. The product is not intended to be used by children 12 years and younger. History The contract to build her was awarded to Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in Newport News, Virginia on 20 February 1976 and her keel was laid down on 1 August 1979. She was launched on 31 October 1981 sponsored by Mrs. Caspar Weinberger, and commissioned on 21 May 1983, with Commander Kenneth R. With the second Commanding Officer, Alfred Ponessa, Norfolk conducted extensive trials of the next-generation torpedo, ADCAP, as well as advanced and secret acoustic experiments. On 23 July 1988 Norfolk fired the first ADCAP torpedo, sinking the ex-USS Jonas Ingram. [citation needed] Commander Ponessa was succeeded by Commander Harrop in 1988. [1] Norfolk struck her starboard side into the port side of San Diego. Norfolk’s commanding officer was subsequently relieved of command. [2] The sub made a surface transit to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay for drydocking and repairs within a few days, [3] and San Diego required dry dock repairs that were completed 10 April 1989. [1] As a result of this collision, COMSUBLANT issued orders limiting submarine speed and passing activities while in the restricted waters of the Hampton Roads channels. Norfolk was decommissioned on 11 December 2014 at her homeport of Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia.