RTX Raytheon advances with the development of new Barracuda mine neutraliser
The new Barracuda version has been engineered to perform enhanced subsea and seabed warfare missions.
The USS Oregon during the commissioning ceremony in Groton, Connecticut. (Photo: US Navy)
The US Navy commissioned the USS Oregon, the new Virginia-class fast attack submarine, during a ceremony on 28 May at Naval Submarine Base New London in Connecticut.
The USS Oregon is the third US Navy ship launched with that name, although it is the first in more than a century.
The submarine was first christened at General Dynamic Corporation’s Electric Boat shipyard in October 2019.
It is the second Block IV Virginia-class submarine to enter service, designed to carry out the core missions of the submarine force: anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, delivery of special operations forces, strike warfare, irregular warfare, ISR and mine warfare.
The Oregon is 377ft long, has a 34ft beam and will be able to dive to depths of greater than 800ft and operate in speeds in excess of 25kt submerged. It has a crew of approximately 136 personnel.
The Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarines are replacing the old Los Angeles-class SSNs.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the Virginia class are built by both General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries under an industrial strategy designed to keep this capability in the two yards.
The new Barracuda version has been engineered to perform enhanced subsea and seabed warfare missions.
The nearly $25 billion investment will cover USCG procurement of cutters, aircraft, helicopters, training simulators and Polar capabilities over the next four years.
After commissioning, FRC Frederick Mann will operate in Alaska and perform multiple missions.
The US Coast Guard (USCG) created new units, including five Programme Executive Offices (PEOs), to facilitate and speed up the procurement of new capabilities.
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.
The US Navy (USN) is currently reassessing its acquisition efforts and seeking ways to reduce the multiple delays across the shipbuilding initiatives.