Latest Virginia-class SSN commissioned by US Navy despite increasing pressure on submarine service
The commissioning of USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN-795) as the fourth Block IV SSN has demonstrated the steady drumbeat of delivery of boats for the US Navy. An expansion of the industrial base, however, will be required for SSN production to meet US Navy force-level goals over the next decade and beyond. (Photo: DVIDS)
USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 795) has become the 22nd Virginia-class submarine to enter service with the US Navy following a commissioning event on 14 October 2023.
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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