USS New Jersey (SSN 796) Joins the Navy’s Elite Fleet

The commissioning ceremony of the new U.S. Navy submarine, New Jersey, marked the completion of a lengthy process. The submarine is the third Navy vessel to bear the name, succeeding the legendary battleship BB-62, which served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

New Jersey’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Steve Halle, highlighted the historical significance of the event. He extended his gratitude to the distinguished guests, shipbuilders, and supporting organizations before addressing his crew directly.

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

He further praised the crew’s professionalism, emphasizing their role as the first fully integrated fast-attack submarine team. “Our superior professionalism is enhanced by our crew integration and our diversity,” Halle noted. “We have exceeded expectations at every turn and overcome every obstacle set before us.”

Addressing the citizens of New Jersey, Halle connected the vessel’s mission to its namesake’s illustrious history. “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,” he stated.

In closing, Halle asserted New Jersey’s advanced capabilities. “Today, we commissioned our ship, and she is the fastest, most advanced, fully integrated fast-attack to date,” he concluded.

Susan DiMarco, the ship’s sponsor and wife of former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, gave the traditional order to “man our ship and bring her to life.” The sailors enthusiastically responded with “aye aye ma’am” and ceremonially ran aboard the submarine.

The ceremony featured speeches from key figures, including New Jersey 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 and Vice Adm. Robert Gaucher held significant roles as senior Naval officer and presiding officer, respectively. Lt. Cmdr. Andrew Hutchison served as master of ceremonies.

At 377 feet long and with a 34-foot beam, the New Jersey can dive deeper than 800 feet and surpass speeds of 25 knots. The submarine is manned by a crew of nearly 135 Navy personnel.

Designed as a multi-mission platform, fast-attack submarines like New Jersey support five of the Navy’s core maritime strategy capabilities, including sea control, power projection, and maritime security. These submarines are exceptionally versatile, performing tasks ranging from anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare to intelligence gathering and special operations.