Latest Virginia-class submarine, the future USS Iowa, delivered to US Navy
Previous Block IV Virginia-class submarine USS New Jersey, commissioned in 2024, on its sea trials. (Photo: US Navy)
The second Virginia-class vessel delivered in 2024, the USS Iowa is also the twelfth battle force vessel added to the US Navy across the year.
The US Navy (USN) Submarine Force has taken possession of its latest Virginia-class attack submarine.
SSN 797 (which on commissioning will become the USS Iowa) was delivered on December 22, 2024.
The 24th Virginia-class submarine was produced by General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB), the 13th vessel in the class made by GDEB, with HII-Newport News Shipbuilding supplying the others on a co-production contract. The SSN 797 had its keel laid down in August 2019.
Related Articles
New Jersey becomes latest Virginia-class submarine commissioned
Virginia-class submarines get contract modifications from General Dynamics
USS Arkansas Virginia-class submarine commissioned
Meanwhile, the SSN 796 was commissioned as the USS New Jersey in September 2024, and the USS Arkansas, SSN 800, in December.
SSN 797 is scheduled to be officially commissioned on 5 April 2025 in Groton, Connecticut.
That will leave just one more Block IV Virginia-class submarines to be brought into service, the future USS Utah, the keel of which was laid down in 2022, to complete the ten-boat block.
The ten Block V Virginia-class submarines, each slated to cost US$3.2 billion, have already begun construction, and the first of those vessels is expected to be delivered in FY2025. The Block V delivery will cover the five years between 2025–30.
On the handover of the SSN 797, Virginia-class submarine programme manager Capt. Mike Hollenbach said: “The Virginia-class submarine represents a Navy and industry commitment to deliver warfighting excellence to the fleet.
“Iowa is the second Virginia-class submarine delivered this year. With each delivery, the Navy continues to strengthen its undersea advantage.”
The combined cost for Blocks IV and V of the Virginia-class submarine programme amounts to $42.2 billion.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Virginia Class Attack Submarine (SSN 792-SSN 811)
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA]()
Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA
Taiwan is strengthening its deterrence against the PLA through an asymmetric arsenal that includes fast mine-laying vessels and domestically developed UAVs.
-
![L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts]()
L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts
L3Harris is targeting European naval modernisation with new uncrewed surface vessels, SATCOM partnerships, and regional investments including defence exercises and facility openings.
-
![Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS]()
Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, DSTA chief Ng Chad-son outlines how the agency is reshaping defence tech development through deeper collaboration with industry partners, from AI-enhanced radar to smart naval munitions.
-
![BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft]()
BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft
The agreement is intended to boost opportunities for both UK and Norwegian naval shipbuilding.
-
![How the Force Design 2028 will impact US Coast Guard acquisitions]()
How the Force Design 2028 will impact US Coast Guard acquisitions
The FD 2028 strategy intends to reduce the bureaucracy in procurement processes while speeding up the field of assets.
-
![Thin-line towed arrays on uncrewed vessels deliver more cost-effective sonar, says SEA]()
Thin-line towed arrays on uncrewed vessels deliver more cost-effective sonar, says SEA
Miniaturisation of technology opens up radical sensing technologies to smaller navies under submarine threat, according to SEA sonar expert.
