Navy Set to Launch Cutting-Edge Submarine: New Jersey (SSN 796)

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is set to deliver the principal address at the upcoming commissioning ceremony of the future USS New Jersey (SSN 796). Other notable speakers will include Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro; Admiral William Houston, director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program; and New Jersey Representatives Frank Pallone and Donald Norcross. Jennifer Boykin, president of HII-Newport News Shipbuilding, and Larry Runkle, vice president of the Virginia-Class Submarine Program at General Dynamics Electric Boat, will also speak.

Dr. Susan DiMarco, a retired dentist and wife of former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, will serve as the submarine’s sponsor. She will issue the traditional order to “man our ship and bring her to life,” marking the vessel’s entry into active service. Secretary Del Toro will officially place the submarine in service following the hoisting of the colors and the commission pennant.

The USS New Jersey (SSN 796) is the third naval vessel to carry the state’s name. The original was a battleship commissioned in 1906 and played a role during World War I. The second, commissioned in 1943, earned commendations in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

This Virginia-class submarine is the fifth of its kind and the first to be built with modifications for a gender-integrated crew. Former Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced the submarine’s name in May 2015. Its keel was authenticated on March 25, 2019, and it was christened on November 13, 2021. It was delivered to the Navy on April 25 of this year.

Designed for high performance, each Virginia-class submarine measures 377 feet in length, has a beam of 34 feet, and weighs 7,800 tons. Capable of operating at over 25 knots while submerged, the submarine features a reactor plant that does not require refueling throughout its service life, thus reducing lifecycle costs and increasing operational time. The vessel was constructed under a unique partnership between General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII-Newport News Shipbuilding. New Jersey (SSN 796) is the eleventh Virginia-class submarine delivered by HII-Newport News Shipbuilding.

For further information, media inquiries can be directed to the Navy Office of Information at (703) 697-5342. Additional details about the Virginia-class submarine program are available at Arizonanews.org.