USS Iowa Sets Sail: A New Era Begins for the U.S. Navy

The U.S. Navy has taken official ownership of the SSN 797, marking the vessel’s transfer from the shipbuilder to active duty. This Virginia-class submarine, dubbed Iowa, is the latest product of a collaborative effort between General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII-Newport News Shipbuilding. The transfer signals the commencement of various tests and trials, preceding its commissioning and subsequent addition to the naval fleet.

Captain Mike Hollenbach, program manager of the Virginia Class Submarine, emphasized the significance of these submarines in fortifying the Navy’s combat readiness. According to him, each new addition like the Iowa strengthens America’s strategic advantage in undersea operations, showcasing the Navy and industry’s commitment to maintaining superior warfighting capabilities.

Virginia-class fast-attack submarines are vital assets to the Navy’s mission. They boast advanced stealth and sophisticated surveillance systems. Such features are crucial in sustaining the U.S. military’s dominance beneath the seas in increasingly complex global theaters.

The Iowa stands as the sixth in a series of ten Block IV Virginia-class submarines. This enhances NAVSEA’s ongoing mission to increase operational readiness through innovative solutions, ensuring the Navy remains well-prepared for high-end joint and combined combat scenarios.

This vessel is noteworthy not just for its capabilities, but also for its historical connection. The SSN 797 is the fifth naval vessel to carry the name Iowa, and distinguishes itself as the first submarine with this moniker. The rich historical legacy includes the storied USS Iowa (BB 61), renowned for its service in multiple major 20th-century conflicts.

Christened on June 17, 2023, by Ms. Christie Vilsack at the Groton, Connecticut shipyard, the SSN 797 is slated for its commissioning ceremony on April 5, 2025. As part of NAVSEA’s broader strategic imperatives, its presence reinforces the assurance of operational capabilities and global access under all conditions.