New Jersey becomes latest Virginia-class submarine commissioned
The USS New Jersey seen while on sea trials. (Photo: US Navy)
The new Block IV submarine is the first in the class to be designed for a gender-integrated crew.
The US Navy has commissioned its latest Virginia-class fast-attack submarine, the USS New Jersey (SSN 796). The commissioning ceremony took place on September 14 at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Middletown Township, New Jersey.
The New Jersey is one of the Block IV submarines built by General Dynamic Electric Boat (GDEB) replacing the Los Angeles-class as they head into retirement. Ten Block V Virginia-class submarines will be expected to follow the Block IVs into service from 2025–30.
The 10 submarines in Block IV were ordered en masse on a US$17.8 billion contract in April 2014. That remained the largest contract ever awarded by the US Navy until the follow-on order for the Block Vs.
Related Articles
Latest Virginia-class SSN commissioned by US Navy despite increasing pressure on submarine service
Virginia-class submarine USS Idaho launched
Each Virginia-class submarine weighs 7,800-tons and runs to 377 feet in length, with a beam of 34 feet. They can operate at more than 25 knots while submerged. The New Jersey has a reactor plant that, barring accidents or unforeseen incidents, will not require refuelling during the whole planned life of the ship. That is an intentional move to reduce life cycle costs and increase the underway time of each of the Virginia class boats.
While GDEB was the main contractor, the New Jersey was built under a teaming agreement with HII-Newport News Shipbuilding. That meant each company built particular portions of the submarine and then alternated deliveries.
In a mark of societal evolution, the New Jersey, the fifth of the Block IV vessels, was the first to be constructed with a gender-integrated crew in mind.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Autonomy gives Turkey a chance to outflank established naval shipbuilders]()
Autonomy gives Turkey a chance to outflank established naval shipbuilders
Turkish shipbuilders have sold ships from Asia to Europe, but autonomy and swarm technology could give them a fairer fight against Western European rivals.
-
![France’s naval modernisation drives opportunities for European defence industry]()
France’s naval modernisation drives opportunities for European defence industry
Ahead of Euronaval 2026, major submarine, frigate and aircraft carrier programmes are driving investment, while future corvette replacements and growing interest in uncrewed vessels offer further opportunities for industry into the 2030s and beyond.
-
![Canada assesses security equipment changes for Polar Icebreaker Imnaryuaq]()
Canada assesses security equipment changes for Polar Icebreaker Imnaryuaq
The Canadian Department of National Defence is evaluating communications and reconnaissance changes for CCGS Imnaryuaq’s expanded maritime security role, while retaining its 2032 acceptance target.
