US Navy takes delivery of USS Iowa, the newest Virginia-class submarine

The US Navy Submarine Force’s newest attack submarine USS Iowa (SSN 797) was delivered to the navy on December 22, 2024.

USS Iowa is the 24th Virginia-class submarine (VCS) co-produced by General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB) and HII-Newport News Shipbuilding through a long-standing teaming agreement and the 13th attack submarine delivered by GDEB.

USS Iowa is also the sixth of 10 VCS Block IV-configured attack submarines.

The boat’s delivery represents the official transfer of the submarine from the shipbuilder to the Navy. The submarine and crew will now undertake a series of tests and trials before commissioning into active service and providing additional capability to the fleet.

SSN 797 is the fifth US naval vessel, and the first submarine named after the Hawkeye State. Previous ships named USS Iowa have included the highly decorated USS Iowa (BB 61), commissioned in 1943, which served in World War II and the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

SSN 797 was christened at the GDEB shipyard in Groton, Connecticut, on June 17, 2023.

The Virginia-class submarines are designed to operate effectively in both littoral and deep-water environments, performing a wide range of missions including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike operations, special operations forces (SOF) support, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), irregular warfare, and mine warfare.

These submarines are equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles, capable of precisely striking shore-based targets, and are also well-suited for long-duration, covert surveillance of enemy sea forces, coastal areas, or land targets, according to the navy.

The Virginia-class design also supports Special Forces deployment, mine delivery, and mapping and excels in both anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare operations.

The submarine’s commissioning ceremony is slated for April 5, 2025, in Groton.

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