NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The U.S. Navy Submarine Force’s newest attack submarine, the future USS New Jersey (SSN 796), delivered to the Navy on April 25, 2024.
SSN 796 is the 23rd Virginia-class submarine co-produced by General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII-Newport News Shipbuilding (HII-NNS); it is the 11th delivered by HII-NNS. The boat’s delivery represents the official transfer of the submarine from the shipbuilder to the Navy.
“We are excited that another Virginia-class submarine has taken a major step toward deploying with our fleet and enhancing our Navy’s warfighting capabilities,” said Capt. Mike Hollenbach, Virginia Class Submarine program manager. “A lot of work by the Navy and our industry partners went into reaching this significant milestone. Along with this crew and this ship, we will continue to demonstrate our commitment to warfighting excellence for decades to come.”
SSN 796 is the third naval vessel to be named after the Garden State. The first USS New Jersey, BB 16, was a battleship that contributed to the expansion of the Navy during World War I. The second, also a battleship, BB 62, had a long and distinguished service life, earning commendations for action in World War II as well as the Korea and Vietnam conflicts.
The submarine’s sponsor, Ms. Susan DiMarco, christened SSN 796 at the HII-NNS shipyard on Nov. 13, 2021. A resident of the state of New Jersey, DiMarco is a retired dentist and the spouse of Jeh Johnson, former Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security.
A commissioning ceremony for the future New Jersey is planned for September 14.
Virginia-class fast-attack submarines provide the Navy with the capabilities required to maintain the nation’s undersea supremacy well into the 21st century. They have enhanced stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and special warfare enhancements that enable them to meet the Navy’s multi-mission requirements. The future USS New Jersey is the first Virginia-class submarine designed and built for a full gender integrated crew.
For more information about the Virginia-class attack submarine, visit:
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