Huntington Ingalls Industries launched the U.S. Navy’s 16th Virginia-class submarine Indiana (SSN 789) on June 9 at its Newport News Shipbuilding division.
The boat was moved to the shipyard’s submarine pier for final outfitting, testing and crew certification.
“Launch is a true testament to our shipbuilders’ roughly four years of hard work,” said Matt Needy , Newport News’ vice president of submarines and fleet support. “Over the next several months, we will work closely with the Indiana crew to bring this great ship to life. With the Navy’s recent increase in SSN force structure requirements from 48 to 66 submarines, the shipbuilders here at Newport News and at our teaming partner, Electric Boat, understand the importance of getting these highly valued ships delivered and ready for mission-tasking by our Navy leadership.
Indiana was moved out of a construction facility into a floating dry dock using a transfer car system. The floating dry dock was submerged, and the submarine was launched into the James River. The approximately 7,800-ton submarine was moved to the shipyard’s submarine pier, where final outfitting, testing and crew certification will take place.
Christened on April 29, 2017, Indiana is the sixth Block III submarine and the eighth that will be delivered to the U.S. Navy by Newport News. Nearly 4,000 shipbuilders have participated in Indiana’s construction since the work began in September 2012.
Indiana will have the capability to attack targets ashore with Tomahawk cruise missiles and conduct covert long-term surveillance of land areas, littoral waters or other sea-based forces.