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Navy Commissions USS Idaho, 26th Virginia-Class Attack Submarine

The commissioning underscores momentum in building the undersea fleet.

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Sailors aboard the Virginia-class submarine USS Idaho (SSN 799) man the rails during its commissioning at Naval Submarine Base New London, Groton, Conn., on April 25, 2026.
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Overview

  • The U.S. Navy put USS Idaho (SSN 799) into active service during a Groton ceremony Saturday, making it the 26th Virginia-class fast-attack submarine.
  • Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao performed the formal commissioning, with Idaho’s Sen. James Risch, Gov. Brad Little, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, and senior Navy leaders in attendance.
  • The Block IV boat is built for stealth, surveillance, and special operations, and its nuclear reactor is designed to power the ship for its entire service life without refueling.
  • General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII–Newport News co-produced Idaho, the 14th Virginia-class delivery from Electric Boat, following a March 2024 christening and a December 2025 delivery.
  • The addition comes as the Pentagon’s FY2027 plan seeks funding for two more Virginia-class submarines and advance procurement for four, signaling steady growth in the undersea force.