USS Delaware (SSN 791), the last and final of eight Block III Virginia-class submarines, was commissioned in April 2020.

Navy will increase the periodicity between depot maintenance availabilities and increase the number of deployments. By making these smaller-scale design changes to increase the component-level lifecycle of the submarine, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, during a ceremony in September 2020.īlock IV submarines (SSNs 792 to 801) incorporate design changes focused on reduced total ownership cost (RTOC). The submarine was christened by the ship’s sponsor, former U.S. More than 10,000 shipbuilders from Newport News Shipbuilding and Electric Boat have participated in Montana’s construction since the work began in May 2015. Montana was built by Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII)’s Newport News Shipbuilding division as part of the teaming agreement with General Dynamics’ Electric Boat. It has a crew of approximately 136 Navy personnel. Montana is 377 feet long, has a 34-foot beam, and will be able to dive to depths greater than 800 feet and operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots submerged. These capabilities allow the submarine force to operate anywhere, at any time, and contribute to regional stability and the preservation of future peace. Montana is the third Block IV Virginia-class submarine to enter service, designed to carry out the core missions of the submarine force: anti-submarine warfare anti-surface warfare delivery of special operations forces strike warfare irregular warfare intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance and mine warfare. The Navy decommissioned the first USS Montana in 1921, and two other vessels named after the state never saw commissioned service. ACR-13 served in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, landed Marines during unrest in Haiti in 1914, and escorted convoys during World War I. The first USS Montana (ACR-13), an armored cruiser, was also built at Newport News Shipbuilding and commissioned in July 1908. USS Montana (SSN 794) honors the Treasure State and will be the second commissioned warship bearing the name. Jennifer Boykin, president of Newport News Shipbuilding. James Caldwell, director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program and Ms. Bobby Scott of Virginia’s 3rd District Undersecretary of the Navy Erik Raven Adm. Greg Gianforte of Montana delivered the principal address.

Us navy virginia class submarine