UK’s $1 billion AUKUS support request signals strong ongoing US collaboration
The latest foreign military sales request from the UK has implications for the future of the programme and collaboration between the three nations.
USS Delaware joins USN fleet
The USN commissioned USS Delaware (SSN-791) on 4 April, welcoming it as the 18th Virginia-class attack submarine in the fleet.
The vessel has been designed to carry out a range of missions including ASuW, ASW, ISR, mine warfare, strike warfare and delivery of special operations forces.
Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly said: ‘This Virginia-class fast-attack submarine will continue the proud naval legacy of the state of Delaware and the ships that have borne her name.’
‘I am confident that the crew of this cutting-edge platform will carry on this tradition, confronting the many challenges of today’s complex world with the professionalism and agility the American people depend on form the warriors of the silent service’ Modly continued.
The public commissioning ceremony for the USS Delaware was cancelled as a result of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak but the USN is intending to hold a future commemorative event with the vessel’s crew, commissioning committee and sponsors.
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