IRIA News

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The U.S. Navy commissioned the next-generation nuclear-powered attack submarine USS New Jersey (SSN 796) in a ceremony at Naval Weapons Station Earle, New Jersey on September 14, 2024.

The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine is the latest addition to the United States naval arsenal. It is the most advanced, fully integrated, and fastest submarine.

The U.S. Navy’s nuclear-powered fast attack submarines are built for a wide range of open-ocean and littoral missions. Developed as a more cost-effective option than the Cold War-era Seawolf-class submarines, they are gradually replacing the older Los Angeles-class submarines, with 29 of those already decommissioned.

USS New Jersey (SSN 796) submarine’s commanding officer Cmdr. Steve Halle attended the commissioning ceremony and praised the distinguished guests, shipbuilders, and supporting organizations.

Cmdr. Halle also addressed the crew of the submarine and said, “To the crew, the plank owners, this ceremony… is about you. 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. Our superior professionalism is enhanced by our crew integration and our diversity.”

The commissioning ceremony was also attended by New Jersey Governor Philip Murphy, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, Ms. Jennifer Boykin, president of Newport News Shipbuilding, and Mr. Larry Runkle, vice president of General Dynamics Electric Boat. Adm. William Houston, director of the Navy’s Nuclear Propulsion program, served as the senior Naval officer, and Submarine Force commander Vice Adm. Robert Gaucher as the presiding officer. Lt. Cmdr. Andrew Hutchison, the ship’s executive officer, served as master of ceremonies. 

Cmdr. Halle highlighted that the New Jersey submarine is “the fastest, most advanced, fully integrated fast-attack to date,” adding that “We have exceeded expectations at every turn and overcome every obstacle set before us.”

Virginia-class Fast-Attack Submarine

The submarine is built by General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII- Newport News Shipbuilding. It has one nuclear reactor and one shaft and a crew of nearly 135 Navy personnel including 15 officers and other enlisted sailors.

The submarine is designed for a range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, strike warfare, special operations, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare, and mine warfare.

Fast-attack submarines are versatile platforms that support five of the six core capabilities of the Navy’s maritime strategy: sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence. These submarines can project power ashore by deploying special operations forces and Tomahawk cruise missiles, playing a crucial role in preventing or preparing for regional crises.

The Virginia-class submarines have special features to support Special Operation Forces (SOF), including a reconfigurable torpedo room that can accommodate a large number of SOF personnel as well as their equipment for prolonged deployments, and future off-board payloads.

Another major upgrade in the submarine is the incorporation of the Virginia Payload Module (VPM). The U.S. Navy statement highlighted, “VPM incorporates four additional large-diameter payload tubes in a new hull section located amidships. Each VPM payload tube is capable of carrying seven Tomahawk cruise missiles adding 28 missiles per VPM. VPM reconstitutes the ability to host dry deck shelters, further enhancing SOF capability, and allows the Navy to host additional advanced payloads via multiple ocean interfaces.”

According to the U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command, “Virginia-class fast-attack submarines provide the Navy with the capabilities required to maintain the nation’s undersea supremacy well into the 21st century.” The submarines have improved stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities, and special warfare enhancements that support the U.S. Navy’s multi-mission requirements.

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