US Navy Receives New Submarine

General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB) and HII Newport News Shipbuilding have completed work on what will become the U.S. Navy's newest Virginia-class attack submarine, the future USS Iowa (SSN 797).

The new vessel was handed over at the GDEB shipyard in Groton, Connecticut, just before Christmas, making it the 12th fighting vessel delivered to the U.S. Navy in 2024, according to a recent press statement.

Sea trials for the new submarine and its crew will now be undertaken ahead of the sub's official naming and commissioning into active service.

“The Virginia-class submarine represents a Navy and industry commitment to deliver warfighting excellence to the fleet,” said Capt. Mike Hollenbach, Virginia Class Submarine program manager. “Iowa is the second Virginia-class submarine delivered this year. With each delivery, the Navy continues to strengthen our Nation’s undersea advantage.”

The future USS Iowa represents the sixth of 10 VCS Block IV-configured attack submarines being deployed by the U.S. Navy, featuring enhanced stealth, surveillance and special warfare capabilities to meet the multi-mission requirements.

It is the fifth U.S. naval vessel, and first submarine, named after the Hawkeye State.

• You can read more details on the U.S. Navy website