New Virginia-class submarine USS Idaho joins US Navy’s fleet

December 16, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

The US Navy has accepted delivery of the Submarine Force’s newest fast attack submarine, the future USS Idaho (SSN 799), from General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB).

As disclosed, the event occurred on December 15, 2025, and marks the second delivery of a Virginia-class fast attack submarine this year.

US Navy takes delivery of newest Virginia-class sub USS Massachusetts

Vessels

The delivery represents the official transfer of the submarine from the shipbuilder to the Navy. The submarine and crew will continue to undergo a series of tests and trials before being commissioned into active service, which is expected to take place in the spring.

Idaho is the 26th Virginia-class submarine co-produced by GDEB and HII-Newport News Shipbuilding through a long-standing teaming arrangement. It is the 14th delivered by GDEB and is the eighth of ten Block IV-configured attack submarines.

When it joins the fleet, Idaho is expected to bring ‘significant warfighting capability’ to the fleet. Virginia-class fast-attack submarines have enhanced stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and special warfare enhancements that enable them to meet the navy’s multi-mission requirements, according to the officials.

The future USS Idaho is the fifth US Navy ship to be named for the state of Idaho. The first was a wooden-hulled storeship commissioned in 1866. The last was battleship BB 42, which was commissioned in 1919 and received seven battle stars for service in World War II.

“Idaho represents the hard work and tenacity of shipbuilders, industry partners and Navy personnel to deliver the best undersea warfighting platform to the fleet,” said Capt. Mike Hollenbach, Virginia-class submarine program manager.

“With each delivery, the Navy reinforces our Nation’s superiority in the maritime domain.”