Future Nuclear-Powered Submarine USS Baltimore (SSN 812) Named by SECNAV Del Toro

BALTIMORE (Sept 20, 2024) – Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced the naming of the future Virginia-class attack submarine SSN 812 as USS Baltimore. The announcement took place during a ship naming ceremony aboard the historic USS Constellation, a revered figure in Baltimore’s maritime history.

The USS Baltimore will honor the city and the legacy of its predecessors in the Navy. Del Toro mentioned that this continues the trend of naming Virginia-class submarines after cities. Previous names include USS Long Island, USS San Francisco, and USS Miami.

“Baltimore has a significant connection with our maritime services,” said Del Toro. He underscored the importance of the city in America’s maritime strategy and expressed his pride in announcing the name.

Joining Del Toro was Maryland Sen. Ben Cardin, who highlighted the state’s coastal heritage and the Navy’s role in preserving freedom on international waters. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott also spoke about the city’s deep naval roots and expressed gratitude for this honor.

Del Toro further announced that Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks would serve as the ship’s sponsor, committing to a lifelong relationship with the vessel and its crew. Hicks emphasized the submarine’s role in deterrence and maintaining peace.

Baltimore’s ties to American naval history are significant. Established as a port in 1706, the city played a crucial role in naval warfare and shipbuilding. The historic USS Constellation and the famous Baltimore clippers are part of this rich legacy.

Previous vessels named Baltimore served in various conflicts, from the Quasi-War against France to World War II and the Cold War. Each vessel took part in critical missions and earned distinctions for its service.

Del Toro also mentioned the Navy’s involvement in clearing the Port of Baltimore’s Fort McHenry Federal Channel after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in March 2024. The Navy Supervisor of Salvage and Diving led these efforts, showcasing the Navy’s ongoing commitment to the city.

Virginia-class submarines like the future USS Baltimore are designed for versatile missions, including seeking and destroying enemy vessels, projecting power ashore, and intelligence operations. They represent a critical component of the Navy’s strategic capabilities.