SECNAV Del Toro Unveils the Name for Future Columbia-Class Submarine SSBN-828

In a recent announcement, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro shared significant developments with the Department of Navy’s submarine community through a video address. Central to this message was the naming of the next Columbia-class submarine, the USS Groton (SSBN 828), which honors Groton, Connecticut, recognized as the “Submarine Capital of the World.”

Secretary Del Toro highlighted the critical role of ballistic-missile submarines in the nation’s nuclear defense strategy, emphasizing their contribution to deterrence and strategic stability. He lauded this announcement as a proud expansion of the Navy’s capabilities.

The naming of the USS Groton underscores the town’s significant contributions to naval history. Groton has a long-standing legacy in shipbuilding, dating back to its founding in 1705. It has been instrumental in maintaining undersea superiority, housing Electric Boat, where numerous submarines have been constructed since World War II.

Connecticut’s Senators, Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, expressed their appreciation for the recognition of Groton. Sen. Blumenthal emphasized the area’s rich naval heritage and the dedication of its workers, while Sen. Murphy vowed to continue advocating for the submarine program’s effective advancement on the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Congressman Joe Courtney echoed the sentiments, highlighting Groton’s pivotal role in developing the modern nuclear-powered Navy and its storied history since World War II as a builder of submarines for the United States military.

Besides the announcement of the ship’s name, Secretary Del Toro also introduced Mrs. Cynthia M. Blumenthal as the sponsor for the future USS Groton. As an advocate for service members and wife of Sen. Blumenthal, she is expected to establish a lasting bond with the ship and its crew.

The USS Groton will be a replacement for the aging Ohio-class submarines, enhancing U.S. naval power with its stealth and ballistic missile capabilities. Known as “boomers,” these submarines are central to the Navy’s mission to provide a secure and undetectable launch platform for nuclear missiles.