US Navy’s Virginia-class submarine Montana completes alpha sea trials

Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding division has revealed that the US Navy’s Virginia-class fast-attack submarine Montana (SSN 794) successfully completed alpha sea trials.

As informed, the alpha trials represent the very first time a ship gets underway to do what it was designed and built to do, including submerging for the first time and performing high-speed maneuvers on the surface and under water.

“The sea trials team – comprised of shipbuilders, Montana crew and Navy leadership – rides the submarine with full confidence in the quality of our work. They trust our 136-year standard of “Always Good Ships” – a standard that we have the privilege of continuing on every submarine and aircraft carrier we design, build and maintain,” according to the company.

Christened at the shipyard in September 2020, the future USS Montana is the third of ten Block IV Virginia-class submarines. Through the teaming agreement with General Dynamics Electric Boat approximately 10,000 shipbuilders, as well as suppliers from all 50 states, have participated in Montana’s construction since the work began in 2015. 

The vessel was launched last March.