Latest Virginia-class SSN commissioned by US Navy despite increasing pressure on submarine service
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.
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