May 4, 2025

USS Montana Delivered to the Navy: A Milestone for U.S. Submarine Fleet

News Summary

The future USS Montana (SSN-794), the latest Virginia-class submarine, was delivered to the Navy on March 11, 2022. This significant achievement by Newport News Shipbuilding reflects advanced naval engineering capabilities. The submarine is named after former U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and is set to enhance fleet capabilities upon its commissioning in late June 2022. With collaborative construction involving over 10,000 shipbuilders, the USS Montana showcases the continuing commitment to advancing U.S. submarine technology and military strength.

Virginia – The future USS Montana (SSN-794), the 10th Virginia-class submarine, was officially delivered to the Navy on March 11, 2022. This milestone marks a significant achievement by Newport News Shipbuilding, which is responsible for constructing and delivering this advanced vessel.

As the 21st Virginia-class submarine built under a collaborative construction agreement with General Dynamics’ Electric Boat subsidiary, the USS Montana continues the tradition of excellence in U.S. naval engineering. It was the second Virginia-class submarine delivered in less than a month, following the future USS Oregon, which was handed over to the Navy in February 2022.

The USS Montana has successfully completed rigorous sea trials, including its inaugural submerging and various operational maneuvers, in early February 2022. Its commissioning into service is scheduled for late June 2022, allowing the vessel to join the fleet and enhance the Navy’s operational capabilities.

Constructed with the efforts of over 10,000 shipbuilders from Newport News and Electric Boat starting in 2015, the USS Montana is categorized as a Block IV Virginia-class submarine. These submarines incorporate significant design changes aimed at reducing lifecycle costs while improving overall performance and efficiency.

The submarine is named in honor of former U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, and it was christened in September 2020. The USS Montana follows a legacy that dates back to the first USS Montana, an armed cruiser commissioned in 1908, also built at Newport News Shipbuilding.

In December 2019, General Dynamics was awarded a historic $22.2 billion multiyear contract for nine Block V Virginia-class submarines, showcasing a commitment to advancing U.S. naval power. Following this, an additional contract worth $2.4 billion was issued in March 2021 for the construction of a 10th Block V submarine, with construction slated to commence in 2024.

General Dynamics has also secured a $17.6 billion contract in 2014 for the construction of Block IV submarines, reinforcing the ongoing demand for advanced submarine technology in an ever-evolving global maritime environment. The progress and success of the USS Montana and other Virginia-class submarines play an essential role in maintaining the Navy’s strategic advantages.

Jason Ward, the vice president of Virginia-class construction at Newport News, highlighted the company’s unwavering commitment to safety and quality throughout the submarine’s construction process. This dedication ensures that each vessel not only meets but exceeds the rigorous standards required for modern naval service.

In summary, the USS Montana stands as a testament to the collaboration between two leading shipbuilding entities, underlining the continued investment in the Navy’s submarine fleet. With advanced design features and proven reliability, the future USS Montana is poised to enhance the operational capabilities of the U.S. Navy as it prepares to join the fleet in the upcoming months.

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