HII segment Newport News Shipbuilding has concluded the initial sea trials for the US Navy’s upcoming Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarine USS New Jersey (SSN 796).
The trials included the vessel submerging for the first time followed by assessments of its system and components for several days at sea.
Throughout the tests, the ship also performed high-speed maneuvers in surface and underwater conditions.
Additional work will take place to ensure the SSN 796’s operability before its delivery to the US Navy, the company wrote.
The New Jersey will be the 23rd Virginia submarine upon its arrival in the service.
“Taking New Jersey out for the first time is a significant milestone and the first major test of the submarine’s capabilities at sea,” Newport News Shipbuilding Virginia Submarine Construction VP Jason Ward stated.
“Both New Jersey and her crew performed exceptionally well. This was truly a team effort between shipbuilders, thousands of suppliers around the country and the crew. We look forward to delivering New Jersey to the Navy soon so it can begin its service to our nation.”
Virginia Submarines
The Virginia-class program was conceptualized in the 1990s to replace the US Department of Defense’s aging Los Angeles attack submarines.
In the early 2000s, HII and General Dynamics Electric Boat began fabrication of the new fleet, with SSN 796 being the 11th to be delivered under Newport News Shipbuilding.
Each ship measures 377 to 469 feet (115 to 140 meters) and is powered by a reactor, steam turbines, and propulsion motors to reach speeds of more than 25 knots (46 kilometers/29 miles per hour).
The vessels are armed with torpedoes as well as Harpoon and Tomahawk missiles. Newer versions use similar but more powerful warheads.
Recent Progress
HII launched the USS Massachusetts (SSN 798) into the James River in Virginia last month.
In June 2023, the US Navy christened the USS Iowa (SSN-797) at General Dynamics’ Groton facility in Connecticut.
Four months later, the service commissioned the 22nd Virginia ship, the Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 795), at the same site.
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