Tag Archives: Virginia-class

Navy

Pressure hull complete

October 2, 2023 Dmitry Shulgin Leave a comment

Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) shared on September 27, 2023 that its Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division has reached a significant milestone in the construction of Virginia-class submarine USS Arkansas (SSN-800).

USS Arkansas (SSN-800) is now «pressure hull complete», meaning that all of the hull sections were joined to form a single, watertight unit.

«It’s exciting to reach pressure hull complete, because it’s a visible sign that construction has progressed to the point where Arkansas really starts to take its final shape», said Jason Ward, NNS vice president of Virginia-class submarine construction. «We absolutely understand the important mission ahead for Arkansas and are working with urgency to get this powerful national security asset to the Navy as soon as possible».

NNS is one of only two shipyards capable of designing and building nuclear-powered submarines. The advanced capabilities of Virginia-class submarines increase firepower, maneuverability and stealth.

This milestone comes following the christening of USS Massachusetts (SSN-798) and keel authentication of USS Oklahoma (SSN-802) at NNS so far in 2023.

Arkansas is the Navy’s 27th Virginia-class fast attack submarine. The ship’s sponsors are the six women of the historic group known as the Little Rock Nine, the first African American students to attend all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, during desegregation. NNS honored all nine members, including the three men, during the November 2022 keel authentication ceremony.

General Characteristics

Builder	General Dynamics Electric Boat Division and Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc. – Newport News Shipbuilding
Date Deployed	October 3, 2004
Propulsion	One GE PWR S9G* nuclear reactor, two turbines, one shaft; 40,000 hp/30 MW
Length	377 feet/114.8 m
Beam	33 feet/10.0584 m
Hull Diameter	34 feet/10.3632 m
Displacement	Approximately 7,800 tons/7,925 metric tons submerged
Speed	25+ knots/28+ mph/46.3+ km/h
Diving Depth	800+ feet/244+ m
Crew	132: 15 officers; 117 enlisted
Armament: Tomahawk missiles	Two 87-in/2.2 m Virginia Payload Tubes (VPTs), each capable of launching 6 Tomahawk cruise missiles
Armament: MK-48 ADCAP (Advanced Capability) Mod 7 heavyweight torpedoes	4 torpedo tubes
Weapons	MK-60 CAPTOR (Encapsulated Torpedo) mines, advanced mobile mines and UUVs (Unmanned Underwater Vehicles)

* – Knolls Atomic Power Laboratories

Nuclear Submarine Lineup

Block IV

Ship	Yard	Christening	Commissioned	Homeport
SSN-792 Vermont	EB	10-20-18	04-18-20	Groton, Connecticut
SSN-793 Oregon	EB	10-05-19	05-28-22	Groton, Connecticut
SSN-794 Montana	NNS	09-12-20	06-25-22	Norfolk, Virginia
SSN-795 Hyman G. Rickover	EB	07-31-21
SSN-796 New Jersey	NNS	11-13-21
SSN-797 Iowa	EB	06-17-23
SSN-798 Massachusetts	NNS	05-06-23
SSN-799 Idaho	EB	Under Construction
SSN-800 Arkansas	NNS	Under Construction
SSN-801 Utah	EB	Under Construction

Navy

Keel-Laying Ceremony

August 22, 2023 Dmitry Shulgin

Senior Navy leaders and shipbuilders gathered at General Dynamics Electric Boat shipyard in Groton, Connecticut, to attend a keel-laying ceremony for the future Virginia-class submarine USS Tang (SSN-805), August 17.

The keel laying ceremony signifies a major milestone in the life of a ship as the ship transitions to reality. The future USS Tang (SSN-805) will be a Block V submarine and the 32nd Virginia Class submarine.

During his remarks, Vice Admiral William Houston, Commander, Submarine Forces addressed the industrial team stressing the importance of their work.

«I look at you, the workers, who build these magnificent submarines and I just cannot thank you enough», said Houston. «As a submarine force commander responsible for 25,000 Submariners, you give us the best platform to operate in the world». Houston continued by underscoring the role shipyard workers hold in the defense industry. «You are contributing to an enterprise of defense of the greatest nation in the world in support of freedom and democracy throughout the world».

In a time-honored Navy tradition, the submarine’s sponsor, Ms. Mimi Donnelly, in collaboration with a welder etched her initials onto a steel plate that will be installed on the submarine. The bond symbolizes the enduring relationship between the sponsor, the ship, and her crew.

Donnelly has a long history of volunteer service to the Navy community. She was awarded the Department of the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award for her leadership while serving as the President and Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Dolphin Scholarship Foundation and as a Senior Advisor to the Submarine Officer Spouse Association.

«I am honored to recognize Ms. Donnelly, as well as the shipbuilders who are here today, to celebrate Tang’s keel laying as we look forward to a long life of service», said Captain Mike Hollenbach, Virginia-class program manager. «This is a significant milestone as the submarine begins to take shape in preparation for future delivery to the Fleet where she will enforce our freedom by deterring enemies, protecting our interests and underscoring our nation’s dominance of the seas».

USS Tang (SSN-805) is the third Navy submarine to be named for the regal blue surgeonfish, chosen in honor of the success both previous namesakes endured in battle.

The first Navy ship to bear the name Tang, SS-306, was commissioned in 1943 and is one of the most storied American submarines in history, with more than 30 enemy ships hit or sunk during battles in the Pacific theater. Tang (SS-306) received four battle stars and two Presidential Unit Citations for service during World War II, and its commanding officer received the Medal of Honor for the ship’s final heroic actions.

The second Tang, SS-563, was commissioned in 1951 and earned four battle stars for service in Vietnamese waters.

USS Tang (SSN-805) will be the 32nd Virginia-class submarine. Boats in this class are the most advanced attack submarines in the world, with superior stealth, firepower and maneuverability than previous classes. They can hit shore-based targets with highly accurate Tomahawk cruise missiles and are capable of long-term, stealth surveillance of sea forces, littoral waters or ground targets. Their design also provides for special operation forces delivery and support, mine delivery and minefield mapping, and anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare. These capabilities allow the submarine force to contribute to regional stability and preservation of future peace while operating everywhere international law allows.

General Characteristics

Builder	General Dynamics Electric Boat Division and Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc. – Newport News Shipbuilding
Date Deployed	October 3, 2004
Propulsion	One GE PWR S9G (*) nuclear reactor, two turbines, one shaft; 40,000 hp/30 MW
Length	460 feet/140 m
Beam	33 feet/10 m
Hull Diameter	34 feet/10.4 m
Displacement	Approximately 10,200 tons
Speed	25+ knots/28+ mph/46.3+ km/h
Diving Depth	800+ feet/244+ m
Crew	135: 15 officers; 120 enlisted
Armament: Tomahawk missiles	two 87-in/2.2 m Virginia Payload Tubes (VPTs), each capable of launching 6 Tomahawk cruise missiles four 87-in/2.2 m Virginia Payload Modules (VPMs), each capable of launching 7 Tomahawk cruise missiles or 3 hypersonic missiles
Armament: MK-48 ADCAP (Advanced Capability) Mod 7 heavyweight torpedoes	4 torpedo tubes
Weapons	MK-60 CAPTOR (Encapsulated Torpedo) mines, advanced mobile mines and UUVs (Unmanned Underwater Vehicles)

(*) – Knolls Atomic Power Laboratories

Nuclear Submarine Lineup

Block V

Ship	Yard	Christening	Commissioned	Homeport
SSN-802 Oklahoma	NNS	Under construction
SSN-803 Arizona	EB	Under construction
SSN-804 Barb	NNS	Under construction
SSN-805 Tang	EB	Under construction
SSN-806 Wahoo	NNS	Under construction
SSN-807 Silversides	NNS	Under construction
SSN-808 John H. Dalton
SSN-809 (Unnamed)
SSN-810 (Unnamed)
SSN-811 (Unnamed)

Navy

Oklahoma

August 3, 2023 Dmitry Shulgin

Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII’s) Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division authenticated the keel on August 2, 2023 for Virginia-class attack submarine USS Oklahoma (SSN-802).

HII authenticates keel of Virginia-class attack submarine USS Oklahoma (SSN-802)

«We enjoy participating in Navy traditions like this one because they remind us of the important role we play in our nation’s defense», NNS President Jennifer Boykin said. «The nuclear submarines we build help ensure our peace and freedoms, and we take great pride in being a nuclear shipyard».

The ship’s sponsor is Mary «Molly» Slavonic, an Oklahoma native. Slavonic has long supported both the state of Oklahoma and the Navy. She worked alongside her husband, former acting Under Secretary of the Navy Greg Slavonic, in building the USS Oklahoma (BB-37) Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, to honor the 429 sailors and Marines who died aboard the battleship during the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.

During Wednesday’s authentication, NNS welder Alex VanCampen etched Slavonic’s initials onto a metal plate, signifying the keel of SSN-802 as being «truly and fairly laid». The metal plate will remain affixed to the submarine throughout its life.

«I am deeply honored to be the sponsor for Oklahoma, named in honor of my beloved home state», Slavonic said. «This milestone marks the beginning of what will be a lifelong bond between my family and Oklahoma, including the incredible shipbuilders constructing her and the brave sailors who will serve aboard this mighty submarine».

Oklahoma is the 29th Virginia-class fast attack submarine, the first of Block V and the 14th to be delivered by NNS.

«This time-honored tradition celebrates the hard work of thousands of shipbuilders from HII who have been working on Oklahoma, the first Block V Virginia-class submarine», said Commander Aaron Stutzman, commanding officer of the pre-commissioning unit. «This important step brings to life Congress’ charge in our constitution to maintain a Navy. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be Oklahoma’s first commanding officer, training our sailors to work alongside the shipyard community building Oklahoma and to be ready to take the world’s most technologically-advanced submarine to sea».

NNS is one of only two shipyards capable of designing and building nuclear-powered submarines for the U.S. Navy. The advanced capabilities of Virginia-class submarines increase firepower, maneuverability and stealth.

General Characteristics

Builder	General Dynamics Electric Boat Division and Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc. – Newport News Shipbuilding
Date Deployed	October 3, 2004
Propulsion	One GE PWR S9G (*) nuclear reactor, two turbines, one shaft; 40,000 hp/30 MW
Length	460 feet/140 m
Beam	33 feet/10 m
Hull Diameter	34 feet/10.4 m
Displacement	Approximately 10,200 tons
Speed	25+ knots/28+ mph/46.3+ km/h
Diving Depth	800+ feet/244+ m
Crew	135: 15 officers; 120 enlisted
Armament: Tomahawk missiles	two 87-in/2.2 m Virginia Payload Tubes (VPTs), each capable of launching 6 Tomahawk cruise missiles four 87-in/2.2 m Virginia Payload Modules (VPMs), each capable of launching 7 Tomahawk cruise missiles or 3 hypersonic missiles
Armament: MK-48 ADCAP (Advanced Capability) Mod 7 heavyweight torpedoes	4 torpedo tubes
Weapons	MK-60 CAPTOR (Encapsulated Torpedo) mines, advanced mobile mines and UUVs (Unmanned Underwater Vehicles)

(*) – Knolls Atomic Power Laboratories

Nuclear Submarine Lineup

Block V

Ship	Yard	Christening	Commissioned	Homeport
SSN-802 Oklahoma	NNS	Under construction
SSN-803 Arizona	EB	Under construction
SSN-804 Barb	NNS	Under construction
SSN-805 Tang	EB	Under construction
SSN-806 Wahoo	NNS	Under construction
SSN-807 Silversides	NNS	Under construction
SSN-808 John H. Dalton
SSN-809 (Unnamed)
SSN-810 (Unnamed)
SSN-811 (Unnamed)

Navy

Christening of Iowa

June 18, 2023 Dmitry Shulgin

The U.S. Navy christened one of its newest Virginia-class fast-attack submarines, the future USS Iowa (SSN-797), during a 10 a.m. EDT ceremony Saturday, June 17, 2023, General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut.

The principal speaker was the Honorable Erik Raven, Under Secretary of the Navy. Remarks also were provided by the Honorable Senator Richard Blumenthal; Vice Admiral Frank Morley, principal military Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition); Mr. Kevin Graney, president of Electric Boat; Mr. Bryan Caccavale, vice president, Huntington Ingalls Newport News Shipbuilding; U.S. Representative, Iowa’s 3rd District, Zach Nunn; and U.S. Representative, Connecticut’s 2nd District, Joe Courtney

In a time-honored Navy tradition, the submarine’s sponsor, Mrs. Christie Vilsack, christened the boat by breaking a bottle of sparkling wine across the bow. Vilsack, an Iowa native, most recently served as the education advisor to the chancellor of Colorado State University. She also served as the senior advisor for International Education at USAID during the Obama Administration. As Iowa’s First Lady, she led a focus on education and advocacy for Iowa’s public libraries. She and her husband Mr. Tom Vilsack, the Secretary of Agriculture, live in rural Iowa.

The future USS Iowa (SSN-797) is the fourth U.S. Navy vessel and first submarine named in recognition of the state. Previous ships named after the state were battleships, as well as, a converted merchant ship that was never activated.

Virginia-class submarines are built to operate in the world’s littoral and deep waters while conducting anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations forces support; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions. Their inherent stealth, endurance, mobility, and firepower directly enable them to support five of the six maritime strategy core capabilities – sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence. These capabilities allow the submarine force to contribute to regional stability and preservation of future peace while operating everywhere international law allows, so everyone else can too.

General Characteristics

Builder	General Dynamics Electric Boat Division and Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc. – Newport News Shipbuilding
Date Deployed	October 3, 2004
Propulsion	One GE PWR S9G* nuclear reactor, two turbines, one shaft; 40,000 hp/30 MW
Length	377 feet/114.8 m
Beam	33 feet/10.0584 m
Hull Diameter	34 feet/10.3632 m
Displacement	Approximately 7,800 tons/7,925 metric tons submerged
Speed	25+ knots/28+ mph/46.3+ km/h
Diving Depth	800+ feet/244+ m
Crew	132: 15 officers; 117 enlisted
Armament: Tomahawk missiles	Two 87-in/2.2 m Virginia Payload Tubes (VPTs), each capable of launching 6 Tomahawk cruise missiles
Armament: MK-48 ADCAP (Advanced Capability) Mod 7 heavyweight torpedoes	4 torpedo tubes
Weapons	MK-60 CAPTOR (Encapsulated Torpedo) mines, advanced mobile mines and UUVs (Unmanned Underwater Vehicles)

* – Knolls Atomic Power Laboratories

Nuclear Submarine Lineup

Block IV

Ship	Yard	Christening	Commissioned	Homeport
SSN-792 Vermont	EB	10-20-18	04-18-20	Groton, Connecticut
SSN-793 Oregon	EB	10-05-19	05-28-22	Groton, Connecticut
SSN-794 Montana	NNS	09-12-20	06-25-22	Norfolk, Virginia
SSN-795 Hyman G. Rickover	EB	07-31-21
SSN-796 New Jersey	NNS	11-13-21
SSN-797 Iowa	EB	06-17-23
SSN-798 Massachusetts	NNS	05-06-23
SSN-799 Idaho	EB	Under Construction
SSN-800 Arkansas	NNS	Under Construction
SSN-801 Utah	EB	Under Construction

Navy

Christening of Massachusetts

May 9, 2023 Dmitry Shulgin

Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) on May 6, 2023 christened the Virginia-class submarine USS Massachusetts (SSN-798) at the company’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division.

«Shipbuilding is a noble calling, and you can see our pride in the craftsmanship before you», NNS President Jennifer Boykin said. «When Massachusetts joins the fleet, she will be the latest in innovation and power, forging ahead in defense of our freedom, just like Paul Revere on his famous midnight ride. As SSN-798 supports the Navy’s critical missions around the world, she will carry with her the patriotism of her shipbuilders».

Sheryl Sandberg, founder and chair of the Sandberg Goldberg Bernthal Family Foundation, and former chief operating officer of Meta (formerly Facebook), serves as the ship’s sponsor. Sandberg performed the traditional honor of breaking a bottle of American sparkling wine across the submarine’s bow during the ceremony.

«I was raised to be deeply grateful for our freedom and all those who risk their lives to defend it», Sandberg said. «So, it was an honor when then Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus asked me to sponsor Massachusetts eight years ago. I couldn’t be more excited to be in Newport News to celebrate this boat with the shipbuilders who have worked so hard to bring her to life. Today is more than just a christening of a vessel. It is also a celebration of progress. This is one of the first submarines intentionally built to allow both men and women to serve and it will make our military stronger. It is an honor to christen Massachusetts and spend the day with service members, shipbuilders and their families. They are a living legacy of all that America represents».

The ceremony took place outside of Module Outfitting Facility at NNS and was attended by more than 2,000 guests, including NNS employees who are building Massachusetts, members of the submarine’s crew, Navy personnel and other government officials.

Under Secretary of the Navy Erik Raven provided the keynote address.

«From design, to delivery, to employment, each person here is making their vital contribution to maintaining our nation’s maritime dominance and the freedom that we all cherish», Raven told the crowd. «We are able to deploy exquisite capabilities across the globe in great part to our dedicated shipbuilders. These talented women and men are able to turn raw steel into the world’s most sophisticated undersea capabilities».

Massachusetts is the 25th Virginia-class submarine and the 12th to be delivered by NNS.

«The crew and I are excited to share in this historic event with our sponsor, the shipbuilder, and all our families», said Commander Mike Siedsma, commanding officer of the pre-commissioning unit. «We look forward to operating Massachusetts in support of our nation’s defense. We are honored to establish the ‘Iron Patriots’ legacy as an enemy to tyrants».

General Characteristics

Builder	General Dynamics Electric Boat Division and Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc. – Newport News Shipbuilding
Date Deployed	October 3, 2004
Propulsion	One GE PWR S9G* nuclear reactor, two turbines, one shaft; 40,000 hp/30 MW
Length	377 feet/114.8 m
Beam	33 feet/10.0584 m
Hull Diameter	34 feet/10.3632 m
Displacement	Approximately 7,800 tons/7,925 metric tons submerged
Speed	25+ knots/28+ mph/46.3+ km/h
Diving Depth	800+ feet/244+ m
Crew	132: 15 officers; 117 enlisted
Armament: Tomahawk missiles	Two 87-in/2.2 m Virginia Payload Tubes (VPTs), each capable of launching 6 Tomahawk cruise missiles
Armament: MK-48 ADCAP (Advanced Capability) Mod 7 heavyweight torpedoes	4 torpedo tubes
Weapons	MK-60 CAPTOR (Encapsulated Torpedo) mines, advanced mobile mines and UUVs (Unmanned Underwater Vehicles)

* – Knolls Atomic Power Laboratories

Nuclear Submarine Lineup

Block IV

Ship	Yard	Christening	Commissioned	Homeport
SSN-792 Vermont	EB	10-20-18	04-18-20	Groton, Connecticut
SSN-793 Oregon	EB	10-05-19	05-28-22	Groton, Connecticut
SSN-794 Montana	NNS	09-12-20	06-25-22	Norfolk, Virginia
SSN-795 Hyman G. Rickover	EB	07-31-21
SSN-796 New Jersey	NNS	11-13-21
SSN-797 Iowa	EB	Under Construction
SSN-798 Massachusetts	NNS	05-06-23
SSN-799 Idaho	EB	Under Construction
SSN-800 Arkansas	NNS	Under Construction
SSN-801 Utah	EB	Under Construction

Navy

Arizona

December 8, 2022 Dmitry Shulgin

General Dynamics Electric Boat, a business unit of General Dynamics (GD), announced it hold a keel-laying ceremony for the future submarine USS Arizona (SSN-803) on December 7, 2022, at its facility in Quonset Point, Rhode Island. The keel laying is a ceremonial event in which the initials of the ship’s sponsor are welded onto a plate to be affixed to the submarine. It marks a milestone in the construction of a ship.

The submarine will be the first U.S. Navy warship to carry the name Arizona since the battleship USS Arizona (BB-39), sunk in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941. Several armored-piercing bombs struck the ship, including one which exploded the forward magazines. The sunken hull is a permanent memorial to the 1,177 officers and crewmen who were killed in the attack.

«We are proud to observe this milestone in the construction of the submarine USS Arizona (SSN-803), a ship which symbolizes the legacy and courage of those who died that fateful day serving their country, a legacy we must never forget», said Kevin Graney, president of General Dynamics Electric Boat. «The capabilities provided by this ship will enhance the reach of America’s warfighters to preserve our nation’s freedom».

General Dynamics Electric Boat Hold Keel-Laying Ceremony for Submarine Arizona December 7

The ship’s sponsor, Nikki Stratton, welded her initials onto a steel plate to be permanently mounted in a place of honor on the completed vessel. Stratton is the granddaughter of Donald Stratton, who served on the battleship during the 1941 attack. Badly burned, he was discharged in 1942 and sent home, but successfully reenlisted in 1944 and returned to the Pacific Theater to fight in campaigns in New Guinea, the Philippines and the Battle of Okinawa. He worked throughout life to help honor the memory of Pearl Harbor and those who gave their lives in service to their country. Stratton died in February 2020 at the age of 97.

The Arizona will be the 30th ship of the U.S. Navy’s Virginia-class fast attack submarines and the first to be equipped with the Virginia Payload Module (VPM). The VPM comprises four large-diameter, vertical payload tubes in a new hull section inserted into the existing Virginia-class submarine design. The tubes enable the submarine to deliver a variety of capabilities, including weapons, unmanned undersea vehicles, and other undersea payloads.

General Dynamics Electric Boat is the prime contractor and lead design yard for the Virginia class, which is the first class of U.S. Navy submarines produced for post-Cold War missions. It is designed to be more cost-effective and modular construction enables it to be equipped to perform a wider range of mission capabilities than previous classes. The company’s construction teammate is Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia.

General Characteristics

Builder	General Dynamics Electric Boat Division and Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc. – Newport News Shipbuilding
Date Deployed	October 3, 2004
Propulsion	One GE PWR S9G (*) nuclear reactor, two turbines, one shaft; 40,000 hp/30 MW
Length	460 feet/140 m
Beam	33 feet/10 m
Hull Diameter	34 feet/10.4 m
Displacement	Approximately 10,200 tons
Speed	25+ knots/28+ mph/46.3+ km/h
Diving Depth	800+ feet/244+ m
Crew	135: 15 officers; 120 enlisted
Armament: Tomahawk missiles	two 87-in/2.2 m Virginia Payload Tubes (VPTs), each capable of launching 6 Tomahawk cruise missiles four 87-in/2.2 m Virginia Payload Modules (VPMs), each capable of launching 7 Tomahawk cruise missiles or 3 hypersonic missiles
Armament: MK-48 ADCAP (Advanced Capability) Mod 7 heavyweight torpedoes	4 torpedo tubes
Weapons	MK-60 CAPTOR (Encapsulated Torpedo) mines, advanced mobile mines and UUVs (Unmanned Underwater Vehicles)

(*) – Knolls Atomic Power Laboratories

Nuclear Submarine Lineup

Block V

Ship	Yard	Christening	Commissioned	Homeport
SSN-802 Oklahoma	EB	Under construction
SSN-803 Arizona	EB	Under construction
SSN-804 Barb	NNS	Under construction
SSN-805 Tang	EB	Under construction
SSN-806 Wahoo	NNS	Under construction
SSN-807 Silversides	NNS	Ordered
SSN-808 (Unnamed)
SSN-809 (Unnamed)
SSN-810 (Unnamed)
SSN-811 (Unnamed)

Navy

Arkansas

November 20, 2022 Dmitry Shulgin

Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division hosted a keel authentication ceremony on November 19, 2022 for Virginia-class submarine USS Arkansas (SSN-800).

The ship’s sponsors are the six women of the historic group known as the Little Rock Nine, the first African American students to attend all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas during desegregation. NNS honored all nine members, including the three men, during Saturday’s ceremony.

The Little Rock Nine made history in 1957 with their response to the Supreme Court ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, declaring racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. Faced with shouting mobs, threats of violence and hostile state leaders who blocked their way, the teenagers were escorted into the school by federal troops at the direction of President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

«Their courageous spirit will forever inspire Arkansas and her crew. This group forever changed our nation’s history and their submarine will help ensure their legacy continues», NNS President Jennifer Boykin said. «The bravery and resilience of the Little Rock Nine sparked a fire of change and demonstrated the strength of blending different perspectives and backgrounds. We harness this strength in the shipyard every day. Our diversity allows us to extend beyond our own limits, to reach new heights, and build each boat even better than the one before it. Arkansas will be proof of this power».

During Saturday’s ceremony, NNS welders etched a historic six sets of initials of the Little Rock Nine onto metal plates, signifying the keel of SSN-800 as being «truly and fairly laid». The metal plates will remain affixed to the submarine throughout its life.

«(Former Navy) Secretary Ray Mabus asked us to be supporters of the ship and its crew. I signed on to be a foster grandmother», said Elizabeth Eckford, a member of the Little Rock Nine, who spoke on behalf of the group during the ceremony. «President Eisenhower sent 1,000 paratroopers to Little Rock to disperse a mob, bring order, and they made it possible for us to enter Central High School. From that point, I’ve had very high regard for specially trained forces».

Arkansas is the 27th Virginia-class fast attack submarine being built under the teaming agreement with General Dynamics Electric Boat.

«With advances in sound silencing, acoustic sensors, and weapons delivery systems, Arkansas will traverse the world’s oceans and seas as an apex predator. Representing our asymmetric advantage in the undersea domain, the Arkansas will have no equal», said Vice Admiral William Houston, commander, Naval Submarine Forces.

«It is an incredible honor for the crew to begin to establish the relationship with our namesake state of Arkansas as well as with the ship’s sponsors», said Commander Adam Kahnke, commanding officer of the pre-commissioning unit. «The story of the Little Rock Nine demonstrates the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. I find the relationship with the ship’s sponsors very appropriate due to the fact that perseverance is an essential attribute to success in the art of submarine warfare».

NNS is one of only two shipyards capable of designing and building nuclear-powered submarines. The advanced capabilities of Virginia-class submarines increase firepower, maneuverability and stealth.

This milestone on Arkansas comes following the delivery of USS Montana (SSN-794), the launch of USS New Jersey (SSN-796), and continued progress on USS Massachusetts (SSN-798) at NNS earlier in 2022, as the shipyard continues to invest in its workforce and facilities to make steady progress on delivering these important assets to the U.S. Navy.

General Characteristics

Builder	General Dynamics Electric Boat Division and Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc. – Newport News Shipbuilding
Date Deployed	October 3, 2004
Propulsion	One GE PWR S9G* nuclear reactor, two turbines, one shaft; 40,000 hp/30 MW
Length	377 feet/114.8 m
Beam	33 feet/10.0584 m
Hull Diameter	34 feet/10.3632 m
Displacement	Approximately 7,800 tons/7,925 metric tons submerged
Speed	25+ knots/28+ mph/46.3+ km/h
Diving Depth	800+ feet/244+ m
Crew	132: 15 officers; 117 enlisted
Armament: Tomahawk missiles	Two 87-in/2.2 m Virginia Payload Tubes (VPTs), each capable of launching 6 Tomahawk cruise missiles
Armament: MK-48 ADCAP (Advanced Capability) Mod 7 heavyweight torpedoes	4 torpedo tubes
Weapons	MK-60 CAPTOR (Encapsulated Torpedo) mines, advanced mobile mines and UUVs (Unmanned Underwater Vehicles)

* – Knolls Atomic Power Laboratories

Nuclear Submarine Lineup

Block IV

Ship	Yard	Christening	Commissioned	Homeport
SSN-792 Vermont	EB	10-20-18	04-18-20	Groton, Connecticut
SSN-793 Oregon	EB	10-05-19	05-28-22	Groton, Connecticut
SSN-794 Montana	NNS	09-12-20	06-25-22	Norfolk, Virginia
SSN-795 Hyman G. Rickover	EB	07-31-21
SSN-796 New Jersey	NNS	11-13-21
SSN-797 Iowa	EB	Under Construction
SSN-798 Massachusetts	NNS	Under Construction
SSN-799 Idaho	EB	Under Construction
SSN-800 Arkansas	NNS	Under Construction
SSN-801 Utah	EB	Under Construction

Navy

Pressure hull complete

August 16, 2022 Dmitry Shulgin

All-domain defense and technologies partner Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) shared on August 10, 2022 that its Newport News Shipbuilding division has achieved a significant milestone in construction of Virginia-class submarine USS Massachusetts (SSN-798).

Shipbuilders working on Massachusetts recently reached pressure hull complete, meaning that all of the hull sections were joined to form a single, watertight unit. This is the last major construction milestone before the submarine is launched.

«Our highly skilled shipbuilders are driven to serve the nation by delivering great submarines that help ensure America’s undersea superiority», said Jason Ward, Newport News Shipbuilding vice president of Virginia-class submarine construction. «Reaching this point in construction demonstrates our commitment to getting Massachusetts ready as soon as possible to become part of the U.S. Navy fleet».

Newport News Shipbuilding is one of only two shipyards capable of designing and building nuclear-powered submarines. The advanced capabilities of Virginia-class submarines increase firepower, maneuverability and stealth.

This milestone on Massachusetts comes following the delivery of USS Montana (SSN-794) and launch of USS New Jersey (SSN-796) at Newport News Shipbuilding earlier in 2022, as the shipyard continues to invest in its workforce and facilities to make steady progress on delivering these important assets to the U.S. Navy.

Massachusetts is the 25th Virginia-class fast attack submarine.

General Characteristics

Builder	General Dynamics Electric Boat Division and Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc. – Newport News Shipbuilding
Date Deployed	October 3, 2004
Propulsion	One GE PWR S9G* nuclear reactor, two turbines, one shaft; 40,000 hp/30 MW
Length	377 feet/114.8 m
Beam	33 feet/10.0584 m
Hull Diameter	34 feet/10.3632 m
Displacement	Approximately 7,800 tons/7,925 metric tons submerged
Speed	25+ knots/28+ mph/46.3+ km/h
Diving Depth	800+ feet/244+ m
Crew	132: 15 officers; 117 enlisted
Armament: Tomahawk missiles	Two 87-in/2.2 m Virginia Payload Tubes (VPTs), each capable of launching 6 Tomahawk cruise missiles
Armament: MK-48 ADCAP (Advanced Capability) Mod 7 heavyweight torpedoes	4 torpedo tubes
Weapons	MK-60 CAPTOR (Encapsulated Torpedo) mines, advanced mobile mines and UUVs (Unmanned Underwater Vehicles)

* – Knolls Atomic Power Laboratories

Nuclear Submarine Lineup

Block IV

Ship	Yard	Christening	Commissioned	Homeport
SSN-792 Vermont	EB	10-20-18	04-18-20	Groton, Connecticut
SSN-793 Oregon	EB	10-05-19	05-28-22	Groton, Connecticut
SSN-794 Montana	NNS	09-12-20	06-25-22	Norfolk, Virginia
SSN-795 Hyman G. Rickover	EB	07-31-21
SSN-796 New Jersey	NNS	11-13-21
SSN-797 Iowa	EB	Under Construction
SSN-798 Massachusetts	NNS	Under Construction
SSN-799 Idaho	EB	Under Construction
SSN-800 Arkansas	NNS	Under Construction
SSN-801 Utah	EB	Under Construction

Navy

Montana

June 26, 2022 Dmitry Shulgin

The U.S. Navy commissioned the USS Montana (SSN-794), the newest Virginia-class fast attack submarine, during a 10:00 a.m. EST ceremony on Saturday, June 25, at Naval Station Norfolk.

Governor Greg Gianforte of Montana delivered the principal address. Additional speakers include U.S. Representative Bobby Scott of Virginia’s 3rd District; Undersecretary of the U.S. Navy Erik Raven; Admiral James Caldwell, director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program; and Ms. Jennifer Boykin, president of Newport News Shipbuilding.

The submarine’s sponsor is Sally Jewell, former Secretary of the United States Department of Interior. Montana was christened at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries, in Newport News, Virginia, on September 12, 2020. Mrs. Jewell gave the order to «man our ship and bring her to life».

The USS Montana (SSN-794) honors the Treasure State and will be the second commissioned warship bearing the name. The first USS Montana (ACR-13), an armored cruiser, was also built at Newport News Shipbuilding and commissioned in July 1908. ACR-13 served in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, landed Marines during unrest in Haiti in 1914, and escorted convoys during World War I. The U.S. Navy decommissioned the first USS Montana in 1921, and two other vessels named after the state never saw commissioned service.

«This boat is a true treasure of the U.S. Navy, and will play an integral part in protecting and promoting American prosperity and security abroad», said Secretary of the U.S. Navy Carlos Del Toro. «I am so proud of the brave men and women who will man this submarine, and I look forward to their success on the high seas».

Montana is the third Block IV Virginia-class submarine to enter service, designed to carry out the core missions of the submarine force: anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; delivery of special operations forces; strike warfare; irregular warfare; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; and mine warfare. These capabilities allow the submarine force to operate anywhere, at any time, and contribute to regional stability and the preservation of future peace.

Montana is 377 feet/114.8 m long, has a 34-foot/10-meter beam, and will be able to dive to depths greater than 800 feet/244 m and operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots/28 mph/46.3 km/h submerged. It has a crew of approximately 136 Navy personnel.

General Characteristics

Builder	General Dynamics Electric Boat Division and Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc. – Newport News Shipbuilding
Date Deployed	October 3, 2004
Propulsion	One GE PWR S9G* nuclear reactor, two turbines, one shaft; 40,000 hp/30 MW
Length	377 feet/114.8 m
Beam	33 feet/10.0584 m
Hull Diameter	34 feet/10.3632 m
Displacement	Approximately 7,800 tons/7,925 metric tons submerged
Speed	25+ knots/28+ mph/46.3+ km/h
Diving Depth	800+ feet/244+ m
Crew	132: 15 officers; 117 enlisted
Armament: Tomahawk missiles	Two 87-in/2.2 m Virginia Payload Tubes (VPTs), each capable of launching 6 Tomahawk cruise missiles
Armament: MK-48 ADCAP (Advanced Capability) Mod 7 heavyweight torpedoes	4 torpedo tubes
Weapons	MK-60 CAPTOR (Encapsulated Torpedo) mines, advanced mobile mines and UUVs (Unmanned Underwater Vehicles)

* – Knolls Atomic Power Laboratories

Nuclear Submarine Lineup

Block IV

Ship	Yard	Christening	Commissioned	Homeport
SSN-792 Vermont	EB	10-20-18	04-18-20	Groton, Connecticut
SSN-793 Oregon	EB	10-05-19	05-28-22	Groton, Connecticut
SSN-794 Montana	NNS	09-12-20	06-25-22	Norfolk, Virginia
SSN-795 Hyman G. Rickover	EB	07-31-21
SSN-796 New Jersey	NNS	11-13-21
SSN-797 Iowa	EB	Under Construction
SSN-798 Massachusetts	NNS	Under Construction
SSN-799 Idaho	EB	Under Construction
SSN-800 Arkansas	NNS	Under Construction
SSN-801 Utah	EB	Under Construction

Navy

Oregon

June 1, 2022 Dmitry Shulgin

The U.S. Navy commissioned USS Oregon (SSN-793), the newest Virginia-class fast attack submarine, during an 11 a.m. EDT ceremony on Saturday, May 28, at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut.

The USS Oregon (SSN-793) is the third U.S. Navy ship launched to bear the name Oregon, but is the first in more than a century. The first was a brig in service from 1841 to 1845. The second was an Indiana-class battleship commissioned in 1896, serving in the Spanish-American War, and ultimately decommissioned for the final time in 1919.

The principal speaker is Governor Katie Brown of Oregon. Additional speakers include U.S. Representative Joe Courtney of Connecticut’s 2nd District; Mr. Tommy Ross, performing the duties of assistant secretary of the U.S. Navy for research, development, and acquisition; Admiral James Caldwell, director, naval nuclear propulsion program; and Mr. Kevin Graney, president of General Dynamics Electric Boat.

The submarine’s sponsor is Dana L. Richardson, wife of former Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson and a native of Corvallis, Oregon. Oregon was christened at General Dynamics Corp.’s Electric Boat shipyard in Groton on October 5, 2019. Mrs. Richardson gave the order to «man our ship and bring her to life».

«There is no doubt the importance this boat, named after the great state of Oregon, will play in the future of our nation’s security», said Secretary of the U.S. Navy Carlos Del Toro. «This crew is vital to our undersea mission, and I look forward to all of their successes».

USS Oregon (SSN-793) is the second Block IV Virginia-class submarine to enter service, designed to carry out the core missions of the submarine force: anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; delivery of special operations forces; strike warfare; irregular warfare; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; and mine warfare. These capabilities allow the submarine force to operate anywhere, at any time, and contribute to regional stability and the preservation of future peace.

Oregon is 377 feet/114.8 m long, has a 34-foot/10.4-meter beam, and will be able to dive to depths greater than 800 feet/244 m and operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots/28+ mph/46.3+ km/h submerged. It has a crew of approximately 136 Navy personnel.

General Characteristics

Builder	General Dynamics Electric Boat Division and Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc. – Newport News Shipbuilding
Date Deployed	October 3, 2004
Propulsion	One GE PWR S9G* nuclear reactor, two turbines, one shaft; 40,000 hp/30 MW
Length	377 feet/114.8 m
Beam	33 feet/10.0584 m
Hull Diameter	34 feet/10.3632 m
Displacement	Approximately 7,800 tons/7,925 metric tons submerged
Speed	25+ knots/28+ mph/46.3+ km/h
Diving Depth	800+ feet/244+ m
Crew	132: 15 officers; 117 enlisted
Armament: Tomahawk missiles	Two 87-in/2.2 m Virginia Payload Tubes (VPTs), each capable of launching 6 Tomahawk cruise missiles
Armament: MK-48 ADCAP (Advanced Capability) Mod 7 heavyweight torpedoes	4 torpedo tubes
Weapons	MK-60 CAPTOR (Encapsulated Torpedo) mines, advanced mobile mines and UUVs (Unmanned Underwater Vehicles)

* – Knolls Atomic Power Laboratories

Nuclear Submarine Lineup

Block IV

Ship	Yard	Christening	Commissioned	Homeport
SSN-792 Vermont	EB	10-20-18	04-18-20	Groton, Connecticut
SSN-793 Oregon	EB	10-05-19	05-28-22	Groton, Connecticut
SSN-794 Montana	NNS	09-12-20
SSN-795 Hyman G. Rickover	EB	07-31-21
SSN-796 New Jersey	NNS	11-13-21
SSN-797 Iowa	EB	Under Construction
SSN-798 Massachusetts	NNS	Under Construction
SSN-799 Idaho	EB	Under Construction
SSN-800 Arkansas	NNS	Under Construction
SSN-801 Utah	EB	Under Construction

General Characteristics

Nuclear Submarine Lineup

Block IV

General Characteristics

Nuclear Submarine Lineup

Block V

General Characteristics

Nuclear Submarine Lineup

Block V

General Characteristics

Nuclear Submarine Lineup

Block IV

General Characteristics

Nuclear Submarine Lineup

Block IV

General Characteristics

Nuclear Submarine Lineup

Block V

General Characteristics

Nuclear Submarine Lineup

Block IV

General Characteristics

Nuclear Submarine Lineup

Block IV

General Characteristics

Nuclear Submarine Lineup

Block IV

General Characteristics

Nuclear Submarine Lineup

Block IV

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