U.S. Navy set to commission submarine Idaho (SSN 799)

The U.S. Navy is set to commission the USS Idaho (SSN 799), a Virginia-class fast-attack submarine, at a ceremony featuring senior political and military leaders and a livestream for the public. Sen. James Risch of Idaho will deliver the principal address, according to the Navy. Other scheduled speakers include Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut; Idaho Gov. Brad Little; Reps. Michael Simpson of Idaho and Joe Courtney of Connecticut; acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao; Adm. William Houston, who leads the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program; and Mark Rayha, president of General Dynamics Electric Boat.

Teresa Stackley, the submarine’s sponsor, will carry out the traditional order to the crew to “man our ship and bring her to life.” Following the hoisting of the colors and the commissioning pennant, Cao will formally place the submarine into active service.

Idaho is the 26th Virginia-class submarine co-produced by General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB) and HII–Newport News Shipbuilding under a long-standing teaming arrangement. It is the 14th Virginia-class boat delivered by GDEB and the eighth configured to the Block IV design. The submarine was christened on March 16, 2024, at GDEB’s shipyard in Groton, Connecticut.

It is the fifth U.S. Navy vessel to bear the state’s name. The first, a wooden-hulled steam sloop, entered service in 1866. The most recent predecessor was the New Mexico-class battleship USS Idaho (BB-42), commissioned in 1919. BB-42 fought in major Pacific campaign battles from 1942 to 1945 and earned seven battle stars for World War II service.

The Navy says Idaho brings advanced warfighting capability to the fleet as it joins a class known for stealth, sophisticated surveillance systems, and enhancements for special operations. Each Virginia-class submarine displaces about 7,800 tons, measures 377 feet in length with a 34-foot beam, and is powered by a nuclear reactor designed to operate for the boat’s planned service life without refueling—an approach intended to cut life-cycle costs and maximize time at sea.

Navy leaders have framed the commissioning as part of a broader push to field a future fleet capable of sustained, around-the-clock forward operations.

The commissioning ceremony will be streamed live at: https://www.dvidshub.net/webcast/37488

More information on the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine program is available at: https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2169558/attack-submarines-ssn