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The US Navy has taken formal delivery of the 24h Virginia Class submarine, the future USS Iowa, marking the 12th battle force ship delivered to the Navy for the 2024 calendar year.
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SSN 797 is the 24th Virginia Class submarine (VCS) co-produced by General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB) and HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding through a long-standing teaming agreement, and it is the 13th attack submarine delivered by GDEB.
The delivery of the boat marks the official transfer of the submarine from the shipbuilder to the Navy. The submarine and its crew will now undergo a series of tests and trials before being commissioned into active service, providing additional capability to the fleet.
Virginia Class fast-attack submarines offer the Navy the capabilities needed to maintain the nation’s undersea supremacy well into the 21st century. These submarines feature enhanced stealth, advanced surveillance systems and special warfare upgrades, enabling them to fulfil the Navy’s multi-mission requirements.
Captain Mike Hollenbach, Virginia Class Submarine program manager said, “The Virginia Class submarine represents a Navy and industry commitment to deliver warfighting excellence to the fleet.”
USS Iowa is the sixth of 10 VCS Block IV-configured attack submarines. NAVSEA will continue to strengthen its operational readiness to support high-end joint and combined combat operations.
SSN 797 is the fifth US naval vessel and the first submarine to be named after the Hawkeye State. Previous ships named USS Iowa include the highly decorated USS Iowa (BB 61), commissioned in 1943, which served during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
“Iowa is the second Virginia Class submarine delivered this year. With each delivery, the Navy continues to strengthen our nation’s undersea advantage,” Hollenbach said.
SSN 797 was christened at the GDEB shipyard in Groton, Connecticut, on 17 June 2023, by the ship’s sponsor, Christie Vilsack. The submarine’s commissioning ceremony is scheduled for 5 April 2025 in Groton.
Recognised as the force behind the fleet, NAVSEA translates warfighter requirements into combat capability, enabling Australia and its allies to project presence during peace, power in war and assured access at all times.
