US Navy’s newest Virginia-class sub USS Idaho enters service

The US Navy commissioned the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Idaho (SSN 799) in a traditional ceremony held on April 25 at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut.

The ceremony marked the culmination of a multi-year construction process and officially brought the USS Idaho into the fleet. It is the fifth US Navy vessel named for the Gem State. The most recent predecessor, USS Idaho (BB-42), was a New Mexico-class battleship commissioned in 1919 that earned seven battle stars for its service in World War II.

Idaho is the 26th Virginia-class submarine and the eighth of the advanced Block IV configuration. The submarine was built under a teaming agreement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII-Newport News Shipbuilding.

The ship was christened on March 16, 2024, at the Electric Boat shipyard in Groton, while the delivery ceremony took place last December.

Virginia-class submarines feature enhanced stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities, and special warfare enhancements to meet the Navy’s multi-mission requirements.

These submarines weigh 7,800 tons, are 377 feet (115 meters) long, and have a beam of 34 (10.3 meters) feet. They are powered by a nuclear reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship, reducing lifecycle costs and increasing operational availability.

As it joins the fleet, Idaho brings significant warfighting capability, underscoring the nation’s asymmetrical advantage at sea, according to the US Navy.

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.