The U.S. Navy has officially taken delivery of its 26th Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Idaho (SSN 799), from General Dynamics Electric Boat. This handover is noteworthy as it is the second delivery of the Virginia-class series this year, following the USS Massachusetts (SSN 798), which was delivered in November by program partner HII.
The USS Idaho is significant as it is the 14th submarine delivered by General Dynamics and the eighth of the 10 Block IV Virginia-class submarines. These Block IV submarines are designed with enhanced capabilities, aiming to improve overall readiness and reduce sustainment requirements for the Navy.
This vessel is also rich in history, being the fifth U.S. naval ship named after Idaho, following a legacy that includes a variety of ships from wooden-hulled vessels in the 1860s to a battleship that served during World War II.
Before officially entering service by spring next year, the Idaho will undergo comprehensive testing. Capt. Mike Hollenbach, manager of the U.S. Navy’s Virginia Submarine Program, expressed pride in the delivery, stating, “Idaho represents the hard work and tenacity of shipbuilders, industry partners, and Navy personnel to deliver the best undersea warfighting platform to the fleet.” He emphasized that each new delivery reinforces the nation’s supremacy in maritime capabilities.
The Pentagon has plans to build up to 43 Virginia-class submarines to replace older classes in the Navy’s fleet, specifically the Seawolf-class, introduced in the 1980s, and the Los Angeles-class submarines, which date back to the 1970s. The contract for constructing these next-generation submarines was awarded to General Dynamics and HII in 2014, with each responsible for half of the total series.
Each Virginia submarine is propelled by a 280,000-horsepower nuclear reactor, paired with pump-jet propulsion, steam turbines, and a support motor, enabling it to achieve speeds exceeding 25 knots (46 kilometers or 29 miles per hour). Their capabilities encompass a broad range of missions, from open water operations to coastal tasks, ensuring both underwater security and strategic lethality.
The submarines vary in length from 115 to 140 meters (377 to 460 feet) depending on their Block configuration and feature a standard beam of 10 meters (34 feet). They can accommodate around 135 sailors and are equipped with a diverse arsenal, including Harpoon anti-ship missiles, Tomahawk land-attack missiles, and Mark 48 heavyweight torpedoes, further solidifying their role as critical assets in the U.S. Navy’s undersea strategy.
