USS New Jersey (SSN 796) Joins the Navy Fleet

The culmination of years of painstaking effort, the U.S. Navy officially commissioned the New Jersey, marking it as the third naval vessel named in honor of the state. It follows the footsteps of the storied battleship BB-62, which earned distinction during WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

New Jersey’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Steve Halle, described the event as “a truly historic moment.” He lauded the crew, shipbuilders, and supporting organizations for their relentless dedication. Addressing his crew directly, Halle highlighted their role as plank owners, emphasizing their unparalleled commitment and expertise.

“To the crew, the plank owners, this ceremony… is about you,” Halle stated. “You operate the most complex platform on the planet and continuously strive for excellence. I’m amazed and humbled at what we have accomplished.”

He further noted, “Our superior professionalism is enhanced by our crew integration and our diversity. We have exceeded expectations at every turn and overcome every obstacle set before us.”

Addressing the people of New Jersey, Halle affirmed, “I know that the legacy we have inherited from the state of New Jersey and BB-62 will carry forward in our pursuit of greatness.”

Halle concluded his remarks by celebrating the ship’s commissioning: “Today, we commissioned our ship, and she is the fastest, most advanced, fully integrated fast-attack to date.”

Susan DiMarco, New Jersey’s sponsor and spouse of former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, delivered the traditional command to “man our ship and bring her to life.” In response, New Jersey’s sailors acknowledged with a rousing “aye aye ma’am” before proceeding to board the submarine ceremonially.

The commissioning event featured several prominent speakers, including Governor Philip Murphy, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, Newport News Shipbuilding President Jennifer Boykin, and General Dynamics Electric Boat Vice President Larry Runkle. Adm. William Houston, leading the Navy’s Nuclear Propulsion program, and Vice Adm. Robert Gaucher, Submarine Force commander, also graced the occasion. Lt. Cmdr. Andrew Hutchison, the ship’s executive officer, executed his duties as master of ceremonies.

The new fast-attack submarine boasts a 377-foot length, a 34-foot beam, and the capability to dive deeper than 800 feet while reaching speeds over 25 knots. Its nearly 135-strong crew is ready to take on various critical missions.

Fast-attack submarines play a crucial role due to their versatility, capable of executing five of the Navy’s six key maritime strategy capabilities: sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence. They excel in various operations, including anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, special operations, and intelligence gathering.