U.S. Navy to Commission Submarine Idaho (SSN 799)

April 24, 2026 |

The Navy will commission the 26th Virginia-class fast-attack submarine, the future USS Idaho (SSN 799), during an 11 a.m. EDT ceremony Saturday, April 25, at Naval Submarine Base New London, Connecticut.

The Honorable James Risch, U.S. Senator from Idaho, will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Additional speakers are set to include the Honorable Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Senator from Connecticut; the Honorable Brad Little, Governor of Idaho; the Honorable Michael Simpson, U.S. Representative from Idaho; the Honorable Joe Courtney, U.S. Representative from Connecticut; the Honorable Hung Cao, acting Secretary of the Navy; Adm. William Houston, Director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program; and Mark Rayha, president, General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB).
 
The submarine's sponsor, Teresa Stackley, is the daughter of a Navy Sailor and the spouse of the Honorable Sean Stackley, a former Naval officer who served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition from 2008 to 2017. In keeping with Navy tradition, Stackley will give the crew the order to "man our ship and bring her to life." With the hoisting of the colors and commissioning pennant, acting Secretary Cao will formally place the ship in active service.

SSN 799 is the fifth Navy ship to be named for the state of Idaho. The first was a wooden-hulled steam sloop commissioned in 1866. The most recent was a New Mexico-class battleship, BB-42, which was commissioned in 1919. BB-42 participated in major Naval battles in the Pacific campaign from 1942 to 1945 and received seven battle stars for service in World War II.
 
Idaho is the 26th Virginia-class submarine co-produced by GDEB and HII-Newport News Shipbuilding through a long-standing teaming arrangement. The submarine is the 14th delivered by GDEB and the eighth Block IV-configured Virginia-class submarine. Idaho was christened March 16, 2024, at GDEB's shipyard in Groton.
 
As it joins the fleet, Idaho brings significant warfighting capability, underscoring the Nation's asymmetrical advantage at sea. Virginia-class fast-attack submarines have enhanced stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and special warfare enhancements that enable them to meet the Navy's multi-mission requirements.
 
Each Virginia-class submarine is 7,800 tons and 377 feet in length and has a beam of 34 feet. It is designed with a reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship, reducing life-cycle costs while increasing underway time.
 
The commissioning of USS Idaho underscores the Navy's commitment to building America's Fleet of the Future. For 250 years, American naval power has projected strength globally. That mission continues – and intensifies. We operate forward 24/7, 365 days a year. This operational tempo demands continuous capability delivery, and the Fleet of the Future is our answer.
 
The commissioning ceremony will be streamed live at: https://www.dvidshub.net/webcast/37488.
 
Media may direct queries to the Navy Office of Information at (703) 697-5342. 
 
More information on the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine program can be found at: https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2169558/attack-submarines-ssn

CNO Returns to the Submarine Capital of the World, Discusses Future of the U.S. Navy

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert visited Naval Submarine Base New London, the Submarine Capital of the World, and spoke with more than 1,300 Sailors during an all hands call, Aug. 22.

During the nearly two-hour conversation with Groton-based Sailors, which was streamed live online via livestream.com, Greenert spoke on a variety of topics to include undersea dominance, cyber warfare, future manning levels and the future of the force as a whole.

"This is a great opportunity for Sailors across the U.S. Navy Fleet to watch the all hands call, join the conversation and ask questions through the live chat feature on the website," said Greenert in a Facebook post a few days prior to the event. During the conversation, Greenert also took questions both from the audience and online viewers.

While addressing the packed auditorium at Dealey Center, Greenert reflected on returning to Naval Submarine Base New London, where his professional career began.

"This is like coming home," said Greenert, who added that the last time he sat in the auditorium at Dealey; he watched the popular movie, the Matrix.

"I was professionally born here and all submariners are born in Groton, Conn., at the Naval Submarine Base," said Greenert. "This is where we build and launch our submarines to go to sea and this is the place where we intellectually build our submariners."

Greenert added that having the base in proximity to where we launch our submarines "on time and under budget" is also where "we launch our best minds" of the submarine force.

Greenert also reflected on how the Naval Submarine base has evolved and its importance to the U.S. Navy and submarine force.

"We must continue to own the undersea domain," said Greenert.

The CNO also discussed the Navy's shift to the Asia-Pacific Region and the submarine force's role.

"We are rebalancing to the Asia Pacific that is the key part of our maritime defense strategy and another key part of the defense strategy is we have to own the undersea domain which is very clearly written and the submarine force is the centerpiece of that," said Greenert.

Before the all hands call began, the CNO reenlisted six Sailors from Naval Submarine Base New London assigned commands. He thanked the Sailors families for their ongoing support.

"Thank you for your support of your son or daughter," said Greenert, who instructed all Sailors to call, text or email their mothers this week and thank them for her support.

The Sailors who were reenlisted by the CNO include: Information Technology Submarines Second Class (SS) Timothy E. Cockrell, USS San Juan (SSN 751); Logistics Specialist Second Class (SS) Andrew J. Jolley, USS San Juan (SSN 751); Engineman Second Class John C. Kovac III, Naval Submarine Base New London Port Operations; Personnel Specialist Second Class Shana L. Michaud, Naval Operational Support Center New London; Logistics Specialist Third Class Rafael Munoz, USS Dallas (SSN 700), and Electronics Technician Third Class Nestor Gallardo, Naval Submarine Support Facility.

Prior to the all-hands call, the CNO also met with Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Congressman Joe Courtney (D-CT) at Naval Submarine Base New London.

During the CNO's visit to the base, he also saw firsthand the continuing infrastructure improvements to include a 500-foot-long, 65-foot-wide pier; a six-lane, synthetic track and field with a 400-meter rubberized surface; and a high-tech, 20-lane indoor small arms range.

Submarine Development Squadron 12 Changes Commanders

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Submarine Development Squadron (DEVRON) 12 held a change of command ceremony May 11 aboard Los Angeles-class submarine USS San Juan (SSN 751) at Naval Submarine Base New London, Conn.

During the time-honored ceremony, Capt. William Merz turned over command to Capt. Vern Parks.

Vice Adm. John Richardson, commander, Submarine Forces Atlantic, served as guest speaker, and praised Merz for his leadership.

"It's always wonderful to be in Groton, the submarine capital. It's a special treat to be here to take a moment to pause and reflect on Commodore Bill Merz's superb tour in command of SUBDEVRON 12," said Richardson. "DEVRON 12 is unique in the Submarine Force, with a dual nature; there is the waterfront side, where Bill commanded the squadron of seven submarines, including deployments to the CENTCOM and EUCOM theaters of operation."

Richardson praised Merz for his leadership of the squadron's tactical development side, where he led a "team of top-notch analysts that study and define our intellectual warfighting base. In both areas, Bill was superb."

Richardson also reflected on Military Spouse Appreciation Day and recognized Merz's wife Martha.

"She has shared in the sacrifices and joys, doing her part while Bill did his," said Richardson. "Our Navy would not run without the very special teamwork between Sailor and spouse, and Bill and Martha have been a stellar example of how good that team can be."

Richardson added that the true legacy of Merz's leadership "will be the people you have trained and led. Our Sailors and their families are the most important part of our success; they have always been our secret weapon."

Richardson welcomed Parks to his new assignment as commodore of DEVRON 12.

"Capt. Vern Parks, welcome to the team. You are no stranger to leadership and command. You are perfectly suited to take this job, and we are all dedicated to your success," said Richardson.

Merz, a native of San Diego, will next serve as the Chief of Staff, Commander Submarine Force Atlantic and reflected on his time in command of DEVRON 12.

"It has been a once in a lifetime opportunity. The men and women we have the honor to serve, and to serve with, both ashore and afloat, are truly inspiring. DEVRON 12 represents the heartbeat of the submarine force and both the experience and the education have been incredibly enriching," said Merz.

Merz added that at no time during his 26 years in the submarine force has he felt more connected to the submarine community.

"What else could you ask for? I envy my relief, Capt. Vern Parks. He is just the right officer at just the right time to take over the helm, and I wish him the best," said Merz.

In addition to his role as commodore of DEVRON 12, Merz also served as chairman of the Submarine Tactical Requirements Group, in which he guided the Submarine Force Acquisition Community, ensuring the Force remained focused and capable of delivering precision warfare technology to the fleet.

"My role as chairman was to bring together some of the best and brightest of the submarine force to not only learn from them, but to conceptualize how their multi-tasking capabilities can be applied to improve the future of the submarine force," said Merz.

Parks, who previously served as commanding officer of USS Santa Fe (SSN 763) and executive officer of USS Helena (SSN 725) is looking forward to taking the helm of DEVRON 12, which is to support the Navy's vision of the future by developing and evaluating submarine tactics, both war fighting and forward presence, and disseminating those tactics to the operating forces.

"I am honored by the opportunity to serve as the commander of Submarine Development Squadron Twelve, supporting the officers and crews of our submarines in all they do and continuing the 60-plus year legacy of my predecessors in tactical development for our submarine force," said Parks. "The team that Capt. Merz has led for the past 20 months, has excelled in all areas, and I am looking forward to the future with the outstanding men and women of DEVRON 12."

Parks graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science holds a Master's of Business Administration from Brenau University and a Masters of Science degree in National Security Strategy from the National War College.

#SAAM: SUBASE New London Sailors Attend Sexual Assault Training

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to Naval Submarine Base New London attended two Sexual Assault Training events at the Dealey Center in Groton April 18.

Rear Adm. Rick Breckenridge, commander, Submarine Group 2 addressed the Sailors prior to the kick-off of the training about the institutional changes required in our Navy to end sexual assault.

"This year, this month, our purpose is to talk about this frankly and to make a resolute to change this behavior within our organization," said Breckenridge. "We will make it crystal clear without ambiguity on what the rules are within the Navy."

Breckenridge added that "sexual assault is not to be tolerated; sexual assault, period, is wrong."

Deb Drucker, Sexual Assault Response coordinator at Naval Submarine Base New London, provided training and discussed how sexual assessment is contrary to the Navy's core values.

"The Navy is deeply committed to how it responds to sexual assault and the best way to train its force and how to deal with this issue," said Drucker.

"Efforts will not stop in April, it's our moral duty to keep Sailors and their families safe," said Drucker. "Sexual assault affects us all."

The goal of Navy Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), April 2012 is to reduce sexual assaults through direct, sustained engagement of all-hands at all levels, while sending the message that preventing the crime is everyone's duty.

Sexual Assault Prevention and Response is an important element of the readiness area of the 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative which consolidates a set of objectives and policies, new and existing, to maximize Sailor and Marine personal readiness, build resiliency and hone the most combat-effective force in the history of the Navy and Marine Corps. The Department of the Navy is working to aggressively to prevent sexual assaults, to support sexual assault victims, and to hold offenders accountable.

Help raise awareness by joining the conversation on social media using #SAAM.

USS Missouri Changes Commanders

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Virginia-class attack submarine USS Missouri (SSN 780), held a change of command ceremony aboard the submarine at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton April 20.

Cmdr. Mike Luckett relieved Cmdr. Tim Rexrode during the time-honored ceremony.

"Today is about the Missouri officers and crew because they are the ones actually did everything over the past three years," said Rexrode. "The Submarine Force gave me the opportunity to lead a tremendously talented wardroom and crew - one that I think is the very best."

Capt. Mike Bernacchi, chief of staff, commander, Submarine Group 2 served as guest speaker and praised Rexrode for his accomplishments while in command of Missouri.

"Tim has been here since the commissioning and he leaves behind the most advanced warship," said Bernacchi. "Tim will be remembered for his leadership he has shown while in command of this marvelous warship."

Rexrode was also recognized for his place in history as the commissioning commanding officer of USS Missouri.

"As the commissioning commanding officer of one of the nation's premier warships, you have fulfilled the submarine force's rich and demanding tradition in bringing a ship to life. I am proud of you and your team's execution in accomplishing this demanding task," Vice Adm. John Richardson, commander, Submarine Forces Atlantic said in a naval message praising Rexrode for his achievements.

Rexrode, who first began his career as a submariner was stationed, at that time, on the oldest submarine USS Gato (SSN 615), and was proud to have served and commanded the newest Virginia-class submarine.

"While the capabilities and the mastery of technology may have changed, but the very essence of submarining hasn't changed," said Rexrode. "We all seek to serve the American people and submarines are designed to be at sea for the sole purpose of defending our nation and Missouri will fulfill that commitment under her new leadership."

While addressing his crew, Rexrode reminded them of the three lessons he shared with them since day one when he assumed command and thanked them for "buying into his principles."

"I asked only three things of you when I assumed command and told you these would define success," said Rexrode. "Do your best to do your job right; understand when you don't or can't do it right and tell someone, and treat each other right."

During the ceremony, Rexrode received a proclamation from the office of Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon's which recognized Rexrode's position as the submarine's first commanding officer.

"It's an honor that the state of Missouri has bestowed this recognition, I'm deeply humbled," said Rexrode. "I remain proud and honored to have been USS Missouri's newest namesake ship's first commanding officer."

Rexrode also received a flag that was flown over the Missouri capitol.

During Rexrode's tour as commanding officer, Missouri completed a post-shakedown availability sea trials and extended modernization a month ahead of schedule.

"While in command, USS Missouri was delivered early from PSA, which was a 'first ever' accomplishment in the Virginia-class program," said Rexrode.

Rexrode, born in West Virginia, he graduated with honors from West Virginia University in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering and was commissioned through Officer Candidate School. Rexrode's next assignment will be with a senior member of the Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board for Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk.

"You have the greatest group of Sailors and officers in the force and a fine submarine," said Rexrode to Luckett during the ceremony.

Luckett, a Banning, California native, has previously served as executive officer of USS Pennsylvania (GOLD) (SSBN 735) home ported in Bangor, Wash., looks forward to taking command.

"There's a huge amount of potential here," said Luckett. "Our next major milestone is to complete our readiness for warfighting and pick-up where Cmdr. Rexrode has left off and use it to get our crew ready to deploy."

Luckett added that taking command of Missouri is the highlight of his career.

"I'm ecstatic to be in command of such a great ship," said Luckett. "I'm proud and humbled to take her on her first deployment."

Luckett holds several degrees to include a Master of Science degree in Strategy and Joint Campaign Planning; Master of Science degree in Leadership and Human Resource Development from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Master of Engineering degree in Naval Architecture and Offshore Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. He also graduated with distinction from United States Naval Academy in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Naval Architecture.

Missouri is the seventh submarine of the Virginia class. General Dynamics Electric Boat delivered the submarine to the U.S. Navy in July 2010. The submarine's crew consists of about 134 officers and enlisted personnel. Missouri is the fifth Navy ship to be named in honor of the people of the "Show Me State."