Latest Virginia-class SSN commissioned by US Navy despite increasing pressure on submarine service
The commissioning of USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN-795) as the fourth Block IV SSN has demonstrated the steady drumbeat of delivery of boats for the US Navy. An expansion of the industrial base, however, will be required for SSN production to meet US Navy force-level goals over the next decade and beyond. (Photo: DVIDS)
USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 795) has become the 22nd Virginia-class submarine to enter service with the US Navy following a commissioning event on 14 October 2023.
Hyman G. Rickover has become the fourth Virginia-class (SSN 774) vessel being built by General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB) as part of the Virginia-class Block IV (SSN-792 to SSN-801) multi-year procurement (MYP) deal delivering 10 boats. The Block IV contract was awarded in 2014 and was worth US$17.8 billion.
Under US Navy force-level goals announced in 2016, it has planned to have a total of 66 SSN, although this number will only be 46 by 2030. The US Navy’s current force of SSNs comprises 50 boats including 26 Los Angeles-class (SSN-68) boats, three Seawolf-class (SSN-21) boats and 21 Virginia-class boats.
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Learning from Japan: how to transform a fleet at speed]()
Learning from Japan: how to transform a fleet at speed
At a recent event in London, lessons were shared based on the experiences of the Japanese Navy and how it has been building a fleet rapidly.
-
![Mitsubishi to build new OPV for Indonesia to enhance security coverage]()
Mitsubishi to build new OPV for Indonesia to enhance security coverage
The offshore patrol vessel (OPV) will join its predecessor vessel in enforcing security around Indonesia’s coastline.
-
![US approves $900 million missile sale to the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force]()
US approves $900 million missile sale to the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force
The sale would advance the JMSDF’s ability to protect its assets and maintain peace in the Indo-Pacific region.
