The United States Navy on Saturday commissioned the USS Idaho (SSN-799) during a ceremony at Naval Submarine Base New London, adding the 26th Virginia-class submarine to the fleet.
The event marked the formal entry of the vessel into active service as the Navy continues expanding undersea capabilities amid growing strategic competition overseas.
James Risch delivered the principal address. Other officials participating included Richard Blumenthal, Brad Little, Michael Simpson, Joe Courtney and acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao.
The submarine’s sponsor, Teresa Stackley, gave the traditional order to “man our ship and bring her to life,” signaling the vessel’s official activation as sailors boarded and the commissioning pennant was raised.
USS Idaho is the fifth Navy vessel to bear the state’s name. The most recent predecessor, the battleship USS Idaho (BB-42), served prominently in the Pacific during World War II and earned seven battle stars.
Built through a long-standing partnership between General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII Newport News Shipbuilding, the submarine is the 14th Virginia-class boat delivered by Electric Boat and the eighth built in the Block IV configuration.
Virginia-class submarines are designed for a range of missions including intelligence gathering, anti-submarine warfare, strike operations and support for special operations forces. The boats feature advanced stealth systems, surveillance capabilities and a nuclear reactor designed to last the life of the ship without refueling.
At roughly 7,800 tons, 377 feet long and with a 34-foot beam, USS Idaho joins a submarine force considered central to U.S. naval strategy in the Pacific and other contested regions.
The commissioning comes as the Navy pushes to modernize what officials call the Fleet of the Future, emphasizing submarines, next-generation ships and persistent forward deployment.
By DNU Staff