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
-
![Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA]()
Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA
Taiwan is strengthening its deterrence against the PLA through an asymmetric arsenal that includes fast mine-laying vessels and domestically developed UAVs.
-
![L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts]()
L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts
L3Harris is targeting European naval modernisation with new uncrewed surface vessels, SATCOM partnerships, and regional investments including defence exercises and facility openings.
-
![Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS]()
Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, DSTA chief Ng Chad-son outlines how the agency is reshaping defence tech development through deeper collaboration with industry partners, from AI-enhanced radar to smart naval munitions.
-
![BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft]()
BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft
The agreement is intended to boost opportunities for both UK and Norwegian naval shipbuilding.
-
![How the Force Design 2028 will impact US Coast Guard acquisitions]()
How the Force Design 2028 will impact US Coast Guard acquisitions
The FD 2028 strategy intends to reduce the bureaucracy in procurement processes while speeding up the field of assets.
-
![Thin-line towed arrays on uncrewed vessels deliver more cost-effective sonar, says SEA]()
Thin-line towed arrays on uncrewed vessels deliver more cost-effective sonar, says SEA
Miniaturisation of technology opens up radical sensing technologies to smaller navies under submarine threat, according to SEA sonar expert.
