September 15, 2024 2:53 PM
The following is the Sept. 14, 2024, commissioning ceremony of the attack submarine USS New Jersey (SSN-796).
From the Navy
New Jersey is the first fast attack submarine designed for a fully integrated male and female crew and is the third U.S. Navy ship named after the state of New Jersey, the most recent being the decorated battleship BB-62 which saw action during WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. New Jersey and crew operate under Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 8.
The submarine is 377 feet long, has a 34-foot beam and is able to dive to depths greater than 800 feet and operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots. New Jersey has a crew of nearly 135 Navy personnel.
Speakers at the commissioning ceremony included New Jersey Governor Philip Murphy, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, Jennifer Boykin, president of Newport News Shipbuilding and Larry Runkle, vice president of General Dynamics Electric Boat. Adm. William Houston, director of the Navy’s Nuclear Propulsion program, served as the senior Naval officer and Submarine Force commander Vice Adm. Robert Gaucher as the presiding officer. Sub commander Cmdr. Steve Halle also spoke. Lt. Cmdr. Andrew Hutchison, the ship’s executive officer, served as master of ceremonies.