160216-N-WT427-042 BUSAN, Republic of Korea (Feb. 16, 2016) Virginia-class submarine USS North Carolina (SSN-777) pulls into Republic of Korea (ROK) Fleet base. USS North Carolina is the fourth submarine of the Virginia-class; the first class designated and built post-Cold War in order to meet the challenges of the 21st century, and has improved stealth; sophisticated surveillance capabilities, and special warfare enhancements that enable it to meet the Navy's multi-mission requirements.