Technically, Seawolf should have been given the hull number SSN-774. However, the Navy's desire to set the class apart as the first of a new century led to the SSN-21 designation. The SSN-774 designation has been now assigned to the lead boat of the new Virginia-class SSNs.
For more on these two yards and how they build ships, see my books Marine: A Guided Tour of a Marine Expeditionary Unit (Berkley Books, 1997) and Carrier: A Guided Tour of a Carrier Battle Group (Berkley Books, 1999).
First demonstrated aboard the Aegis cruiser Yorktown (CG-48), 'Smart Ship' uses COTS-based systems to provide improved situational awareness to a reduced watch of crew personnel. It also helps with management of logistics and systems control, making the reduction of crew numbers a reality for the first time since the advent of steam.
