The US Navy has officially launched its 24th Virginia-class fast attack submarine, the USS Iowa (SSN 797), during a commissioning ceremony held at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut. This significant milestone follows the vessel’s delivery in January as part of a broader $18-billion contract awarded in 2014 for the development of nine additional Virginia-class submarines.
Construction of the USS Iowa commenced in 2019, with the submarine being christened four years later. Notably, this new addition to the Navy fleet is the third naval vessel and the first submarine to carry the name “Iowa,” paying homage to the state known as “The Hawkeye State.” As the sixth Virginia-class submarine to receive the Block IV configuration, the USS Iowa boasts enhanced capabilities, including expanded vertical missile launch systems and additional torpedo tubes designed for modern warheads.
This class of submarines is designed to replace the older Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered submarines that have been in service since the 1970s, marking a significant advancement in naval warfare technology.
During the commissioning ceremony, US Fleet Forces Commander Admiral Daryl Caudle expressed his pride in the vessel and its crew, stating, “In this coming year, this crew of proud American sailors will put this warship to sea and carry the name ‘Iowa’ to the far-flung corners of the globe, projecting combat power for decades to come.” He praised the dedication and hard work that transformed the submarine—a formidable piece of machinery weighing nearly 8,000 tons, equipped with numerous advanced systems—into a fully operational combat ship.
The USS Iowa measures 377 feet (115 meters) in length and is designed to accommodate up to 120 personnel. Armed with a versatile arsenal that includes land-attack missiles, surface-to-surface missiles, heavyweight torpedoes, mines, and electronic warfare modules, the submarine is also equipped with satellite communications and advanced radar systems for surface search and navigation.
Powered by a robust 280,000-horsepower nuclear reactor, the USS Iowa has a top speed of 25 knots (approximately 29 miles per hour or 46 kilometers per hour) and can dive to depths of 800 feet (240 meters). With the capability to operate underwater for up to three months, the Virginia-class submarines like the Iowa are set to play a critical role in modern maritime operations and contribute to the US Navy’s strategic objectives in the coming years.
