The 24th Virginia-class submarine, USS Iowa (SSN-797), was officially commissioned on Saturday at the New London Naval Submarine Base in Groton, Connecticut. The 7,800-ton nuclear attack boat has become at least the fifth ship named after the state of Iowa in the U.S. Navy. It follows in the footsteps of two battleships that served in the World Wars and in Korea. The last Iowa was BB-61, the lead hull of four Iowa-class ships from World War II.
Details of the commissioning ceremony
The commissioning ceremony was attended by senior representatives of the Navy and Congress, including U.S. Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, who noted that the commissioning of the USS Iowa is an important step in strengthening the fleet and ensuring the global maritime dominance of the United States. The ship's sponsor, Christie Vilsack, the wife of former Iowa Governor and former US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, gave the traditional command to "beckon the ship and set it in motion," after which the crew of the USS Iowa solemnly took their seats on board.
Characteristics of the USS Iowa (SSN-797)
The USS Iowa (SSN-797) is the 24th Virginia-class submarine and the first designed specifically to accommodate women on board. The submarine is equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles, Mk-48 torpedoes and Harroop anti-ship missiles, which can be launched from 12 vertical launchers and four torpedo tubes. The length of the submarine is 377 feet (about 115 meters), its displacement is 7,800 tons, and the maximum diving depth exceeds 800 feet (about 240 meters). The crew consists of 15 officers and 117 sailors.
Historical significance
The USS Iowa (SSN-797) became the third US Navy ship named after the state of Iowa. Previously, two battleships bore this name: the first USS Iowa (BB-4) participated in the Spanish-American War and World War I, and the second USS Iowa (BB-61) — in World War II, the Korean War and as a museum ship.
Prospects
The commissioning of the USS Iowa (SSN-797) is part of a broader effort to modernize and expand the U.S. Navy's fleet. U.S. Navy Secretary John Phelan emphasized that this is just the beginning of efforts to revive the American shipbuilding industry and maritime infrastructure. In the face of increasing maritime threats, Virginia-class submarines continue to be a priority in US defense programs.
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