The US Navy has officially commissioned its 24th Virginia-class fast attack submarine, the USS Iowa (SSN 797), at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut. This milestone comes after the submarine’s delivery earlier in January, fulfilling a portion of a nearly $18-billion contract inked in 2014 for the addition of nine Virginia-class vessels. The inclusion of the USS Iowa demonstrates the Navy’s continued drive to enhance undersea warfare and strategic deterrence capacity with modern, multi-mission platforms.
Built to perform a broad range of operational tasks, the USS Iowa can conduct anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare, intelligence collection, special operations support, and sea denial missions anywhere across the world’s oceans. The Virginia-class is valued for its blend of stealth, endurance, and technological sophistication, allowing for operations in both littoral and deep-water environments. Its commissioning signals a renewed commitment to underwater dominance, ensuring US interests are protected amid evolving security challenges.
