The US Navy has christened the future USS Iowa (SSN 797) Virginia-class fast-attack submarine at the General Dynamics Electric Boat facility in Groton, Connecticut.
The SSN 797 is the fourth US defense vessel and first submarine named after the state.
Previous ships that carried the name included battleships and a converted merchant ship.
Virginia-Class Submarines
Virginia-class submarines are deployed for coastal and deep waters to defend against enemy submarines and surface ships.
The fleet is built with capabilities focusing on special operations support, strike warfare, irregular and mine warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
Through its mobility, firepower, and endurance, the submarines can support five of the six US Navy maritime strategy cores, including forward presence, sea control, power projection, deterrence, and maritime security.
Accommodating Women
Principal speakers during the ceremony included US Navy Secretary Erik Raven, Electric Boat President Kevin Graney, Huntington Ingalls Newport News Shipbuilding Vice President Bryan Caccavale, and representatives of the state of Iowa.
The SSN 797’s sponsor is Christie Vilsack, an Iowa native who serves as education advisor to the chancellor of Colorado State University.
At the event, Vilsack highlighted the submarine’s enhanced features to accommodate women sailors.
Women have been serving on US submarines for more than two decades, but this is the first time a subsurface fleet will be built to address women’s needs.
Another Virginia-class, the USS New Jersey (SSN 796), is designed for a mixed-gender crew. It is still under construction and expected to enter service in 2024.
Six women officers are set to operate the SSN 797 once it is completed, according to a report by local news outlet Des Moines Register.