Navy to Christen Submarine Iowa, Showcasing the Legacy of the Virginia-Class

In a momentous occasion, the Navy is set to christen the future USS Iowa (SSN 797), one of its newest Virginia-class fast-attack submarines. The christening ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. EDT on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut.

This remarkable event will be graced by distinguished speakers, including the Honorable Erik Raven, Under Secretary of the Navy, Senator Richard Blumenthal, Vice Adm. Frank Morley, principal military Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition), Kevin Graney, president of Electric Boat, Bryan Caccavale, vice president of Huntington Ingalls Newport News Shipbuilding, as well as U.S. Representative Zach Nunn of Iowa's 3rd District and U.S. Representative Joe Courtney of Connecticut's 2nd District.

A cherished Navy tradition will be observed during the christening ceremony as Mrs. Christie Vilsack, the submarine's sponsor, fulfills her role by breaking a bottle of sparkling wine across the bow. Hailing from Iowa, Mrs. Vilsack has an accomplished background, having served as the education advisor to the chancellor of Colorado State University and as the senior advisor for International Education at USAID during the Obama Administration. As Iowa's First Lady, she led educational initiatives and advocated for the state's public libraries. Mrs. Vilsack and her husband, Mr. Tom Vilsack, the Secretary of Agriculture, reside in rural Iowa.

The future USS Iowa (SSN 797) holds special significance as it becomes the fourth U.S. Navy vessel and the first submarine to be named after the state of Iowa. Previous ships named in honor of Iowa were battleships and a converted merchant ship, which unfortunately was never activated. This christening highlights the enduring bond between the Navy and the state of Iowa.

The Virginia-class submarines have an illustrious history within the U.S. Navy. These technologically advanced vessels are built to operate effectively in both littoral and deep waters, excelling in various mission capabilities. From anti-submarine warfare to anti-surface ship warfare, strike warfare, special operations forces support, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, irregular warfare, and mine warfare missions, the Virginia-class submarines are versatile assets.

With their inherent stealth, endurance, mobility, and firepower, these submarines directly contribute to the core capabilities outlined in the maritime strategy. These capabilities encompass sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence. By operating within the boundaries of international law, the submarine force plays a crucial role in fostering regional stability and preserving peace, ensuring that others can operate freely as well.

The christening of the USS Iowa (SSN 797) signifies not only the introduction of a cutting-edge submarine into the Navy's fleet but also pays tribute to the legacy and commitment of the Virginia-class submarines. This remarkable vessel stands as a testament to the Navy's dedication to innovation and its ongoing mission to protect and defend the United States and its interests worldwide.

USS Missouri Sailors Visit the "Show Me State"

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

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (NNS) -- Just slightly beyond the two-year commissioning anniversary of USS Missouri (SSN 780), the commanding officer, chief of the boat and three Sailors will visit their namesake state, Aug. 26-30.

Cmdr. Mike Luckett, who took command of Missouri in April 2012, will embark on his first namesake state visit since assuming command of the Virginia-class attack submarine. The crew's visit will serve as commemoration of the submarine's entry into the U.S. Navy, and will allow the crew to connect with the citizens of Missouri.

"This will be my first official visit to Missouri and it's a great honor to visit our namesake state," said Luckett. "I'm looking forward to meeting with the USS Missouri Commissioning Committee and all the citizens of Missouri who've provided such great support to the ship and our crew throughout the ship's life."

During the visit to the "Show Me State," Luckett and his crew members will participate in a three-city tour across the state, with stops in Kansas City, Jefferson City, and St. Louis.

Samuel M. Bushman, chairman of the USS Missouri Commissioning Committee said he looks forward to the visit by the commanding officer and crew of USS Missouri. "The USS Missouri Commissioning Committee takes great pride as an ongoing support system for our Sailors who serve to guard our freedom," said Bushman.

While in Kansas City, the crew will visit with patients at Children's Mercy Hospital and tour historical landmarks. Luckett added that this is one of the stops his crew is looking forward to most.

"It will be a wonderful opportunity to talk with the patients at Children's Mercy Hospital and to share with them a little of what we do to serve our nation and the citizens of Missouri," said Luckett.

During their visit to Jefferson City, which was named for Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, the crew will tour the Missouri State Capitol and meet with Gov. Jay Nixon.

They will also visit with the American Legion, Submarine Veterans, the Navy League of the United States/Mid-Missouri Council, and USS Missouri Commissioning Committee members. While in Jefferson City, the Sailors will meet and speak with middle and high school students in science, math and history classes at the various schools in Jefferson City.

During their final leg of their visit, in St. Louis, the crew members will share their military experiences and mentor the Cleveland High School Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NRJOTC) Unit.

The crew will also meet local officials, including St. Louis City Mayor Francis Slay and St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley, and speak to local members of the Commissioning Committee as well as other supporters of the military.

Missouri is the seventh submarine of the Virginia class, built for the U.S. Navy by General Dynamics Electric Boat and commissioned 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."

PCU North Dakota Reaches another Milestone; Launches its Crest

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

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Pre-Commissioning Unit North Dakota (SSN 784) launched its ship crest, an emblem that will be associated with the Virginia-class submarine during its entire service to the nation, Aug. 24.

The crest was created through a unique partnership between PCU North Dakota Commissioning Committee, and the submarine's crew.

"The acceptance of our crest is one of many important milestones our submarine and her crew will experience during the process of bringing her to life," said Cmdr. Doug Gordon, commanding officer, PCU North Dakota. "I want to personally thank the hard work of the PCU North Dakota Commissioning Committee for harnessing what both our submarine and namesake state symbolizes together. This crest will serve our submarine well in decades to come."

Historically a ship's crest combines Navy and submarine history with the rich tradition of the namesake state.

The North Dakota crest includes many elements which capture the essence and rich history of the "Peace Garden State." The crest includes sheafs of wheat, the first USS North Dakota (BB 29) at sea, an arrowhead shape, and the motto "Strength From The Soil" as indicated on the North Dakota Coat of Arms.

"This is an outstanding design that truly captures North Dakota's history as well as our heritage," said Bob Wefald, PCU North Dakota Commissioning Committee chair. "It also captures the dual meaning of six shooters and tomahawks for the two canisters of six Tomahawk cruise missiles each, which our second North Dakota will carry. The phrase 'Reapers of the Deep' ties in with the reapers of grain early in our state's history."

The USS North Dakota Committee spearheaded the crest design efforts in North Dakota. The contest began in February 2012.

The ship's sponsor Katie Fowler, wife of retired Vice Adm. Jeff Fowler, who attended the submarine's keel laying May 11, reflected on the crest and its meaning for the submarine and her crew.

"Selecting a ship's crest is a defining moment for a new ship. The crest will represent the ship, her crew, and its namesake for more than 30 years. It needs to reflect the warrior mentality of a warship's crew along with the enduring heritage of its name," said Fowler.

Fowler added that it was an extensive process to select the crest that would serve as its identifier.

"The process of receiving inputs from all ages in North Dakota, members of the crew, and Navy officials has produced many great symbols for consideration," said Fowler. "The thorough deliberation of the various inputs has helped reinforce important parts for the crest. In the end, we have a crest that will represent North Dakota well as the ship travels around the world, while motivating the warriors who serve in her."

More than 100 entries were submitted during the crest design contest. The top five entries were submitted to the crew of PCU North Dakota to be used in the creation of the final crest.

Gordon added that once they received the entries the Visual Information Service Center at Naval Submarine Support Facility helped bring all of the entries together.

"Jim Sikora, graphic specialist at the Visual Information Service Center, put a lot of effort into working with us to design our crest," said Gordon.

PCU North Dakota, the second ship named in honor of North Dakota, will be delivered by General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton and will be the 11th Virginia-class submarine when it is commissioned in 2014.

The only other ship to bear the name North Dakota was the Delaware-class battleship USS North Dakota, which was in service from 1910 to 1923.

Virginia-class submarines are designed to dominate the world's littoral and deep waters while conducting anti-submarine; anti-surface ship; strike; irregular; and mine warfare missions; as well as support special operation forces; and covert intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

USS Columbus Completes Deployment to Western Pacific Region

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ronald Gutridge, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- Friends and families of the crew from USS Columbus (SSN 762) gathered at the submarine piers to welcome back the Los Angeles-class submarine as it returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam after completing a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific region, Aug. 23.

While deployed, Columbus executed a wide range of operations in support of Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. In addition, the crew conducted several training exercises, contributing to the nation's strategic posture in the Western Pacific region.

"Columbus' 2012 deployment was very successful," said Cmdr. David Youtt, Columbus commanding officer. "We executed fleet and national tasking as well as numerous exercises and theater cooperation with our regional allies. Our crew gained extensive experience operating in vastly different environments and engaging with different cultures. We are a better ship and crew as a result and are better prepared to face future operations.

"The crew performed superbly through deployment," said Youtt. "Each Sailor faced everyday with enthusiasm and professionalism that was second to none."

 During the deployment, 28 Sailors qualified in submarines and are now entitled to wear the submarine warfare insignia, also referred to as "Dolphins", after completing a rigorous qualification process that included in-depth understanding of submarine construction and operations, and also practical assessments of the Sailor's ability to combat a wide range of casualties that could be encountered while on board the submarine. A majority of the crew also completed advanced qualifications, including engineering watch supervisor, diving officer of the watch and chief of the watch. These qualifications provide greater watch bill flexibility and help ensure that Columbus' performance will remain strong.

 "This deployment offered significant experience and training for the young Sailors that will be the leaders of our Navy," said Youtt. "More than half the crew deployed for the first time and are now experienced future deployers."

 Despite steaming more than 40,000 nautical miles in support of the nation's defense, the crew enjoyed several memorable port visits which included Guam, South Korea and, Japan.

Columbus also conducted a time-honored ceremony of "Crossing the Line" where 100 Sailors earned the title of "Shellback" for crossing the equator for the first time.

 "I really learned allot about submarines and my job on this deployment, but the best part is when I became submarine qualified and got my Dolphins," said Electronics Technician Seaman (SS) Jonathan Diquattro from Columbus, Ga. "The experience I gained and the places we visited makes my first deployment something I will never forget."

 Columbus is the 51st Los Angeles-class submarine and the twelfth improved version of this class, which includes a vertical launch system for Tomahawk cruise missiles and an improved hull design for under-ice operations. It completed a post shipyard availability in June 1994 in Groton, Conn. after initial construction and shakedown operations. In September 1994, the ship conducted an inter-fleet transfer to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and joined the U.S. Pacific Fleet Submarine Force.

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.