IRIA News

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The U.S. Navy to further strengthen its naval defense capabilities with induction newest Virginia-class attack submarine USS Iowa (SSN 797). The advanced submarine was delivered to U.S. Navy Submarine Force, marking the 12th battle force ship the Navy received in 2024.

The submarine arrived for the first time at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut on December 19, 2024. The future USS Iowa was delivered to Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 4 from General Dynamics Electric Boat shipbuilding facility down river after recently completing a series of at-sea testing.

The submarine and crew will now undertake a series of tests and trials before commissioning into active service and providing additional capability to the fleet, the U.S. Navy statement highlighted

According to the U.S. Navy statement, “The fast-attack submarine Iowa and crew operate under SUBRON 4 and its primary mission is to provide fast-attack submarines that are ready, prepared, and committed to meet the unique challenges of undersea combat and deployed operations in unforgiving environments across the globe.”

The attack submarines are designed to locate and eliminate enemy submarines and surface vessels, project power ashore with Tomahawk cruise missiles and Special Operations Forces (SOF), conduct Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, support battle group operations, and execute mine warfare.

Virginia Class Submarine program manager, Capt. Mike Hollenbach said, “The Virginia-class submarine represents a Navy and industry commitment to deliver warfighting excellence to the fleet,” adding that “Iowa is the second Virginia-class submarine delivered this year. With each delivery, the Navy continues to strengthen our Nation’s undersea advantage.”

The USS Iowa (SSN 797) is the sixth of 10 Virginia-class Block IV submarines. NAVSEA remains committed to bolstering the fleet’s readiness, ensuring sustained high-end joint and combined combat capabilities.

The SSN 797 is the fifth U.S. naval vessel—and the first submarine—to bear the name Iowa, honoring the Hawkeye State. Among its predecessors is the distinguished USS Iowa (BB 61), a battleship commissioned in 1943, which earned recognition for its service during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

Virginia-class submarines

The Virginia-class submarines incorporate several innovations that significantly enhance their warfighting capabilities, particularly in littoral (coastal) operations. These submarines are equipped with specialized features to support special operations forces (SOF), including a reconfigurable torpedo room that can accommodate a large number of SOF personnel and their equipment for extended deployments, as well as future off-board payloads. They also feature a large lockout trunk (LOT) for divers.

Traditional periscopes in Virginia-class submarines have been replaced by two photonics masts, which are equipped with visible and infrared digital cameras mounted on telescoping arms. This advancement has allowed the control room to be relocated down one deck and away from the hull’s curvature, providing more space and an improved layout that enhances the commanding officer’s situational awareness.

The Virginia-class submarines are designed for long-term adaptability through the extensive use of modular construction, open architecture, and commercial off-the-shelf components. This approach ensures the class remains state-of-the-art throughout its operational lifespan by enabling the rapid integration of new systems and payloads.

Specifications

• Length: 377 ft.
• Beam: 34 ft.
• Displacement (Weight): 7,800 tons (equivalent to 65 blue whales)
• Speed: 25+ knots (28+ miles per hour)
• Maximum Depth: 800+ ft.
• Crew: 15 officers, 117 enlisted
• Armament: 4 Torpedo Tubes, 2 Virginia Payload Tubes (VPT), each capable of holding 6 vertical-launch Tomahawk missiles that can strike targets over 1,200 miles away.