The U.S. Navy has accepted delivery of the future USS Idaho (SSN-799), the latest Virginia-class fast attack submarine, marking the second submarine of the class handed over to the service in 2025.
The transfer from builder General Dynamics Electric Boat took place on 15 December in Groton, Connecticut, formally moving the submarine from construction into U.S. Navy custody. Following delivery, Idaho and its crew will continue with post-delivery tests, trials and crew certification ahead of commissioning, which the Navy expects to take place in the spring.
USS Idaho is the 26th Virginia-class submarine produced under the long-running teaming arrangement between Electric Boat and HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding. It is the 14th Virginia-class boat delivered by Electric Boat and the eighth of ten Block IV-configured submarines. Block IV boats are designed to reduce lifecycle maintenance periods and increase operational availability compared with earlier variants, according to the U.S. Navy.
Captain Mike Hollenbach, Virginia-class submarine programme manager, said the delivery reflected the combined effort of industry and the service. “Idaho represents the hard work and tenacity of shipbuilders, industry partners and Navy personnel to deliver the best undersea warfighting platform to the fleet,” he said. “With each delivery, the Navy reinforces our Nation’s superiority in the maritime domain.”
Once commissioned, Idaho will join the fleet as a multi-mission attack submarine, with roles that include anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence collection and support to special operations forces. The U.S. Navy states that Virginia-class submarines are characterised by enhanced stealth, advanced sensors and improved payload and special warfare capabilities intended to meet evolving operational demands.