The Virginia-class submarine Arkansas is successfully launched, marking a significant milestone.
The Virginia-class submarine Arkansas (SSN 800) was launched into the James River by HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division. This marks a significant milestone as it becomes the 27th submarine of its class. Equipped with advanced stealth, maneuverability, and firepower, the Arkansas is scheduled for full operational capability by 2025. The submarine will honor its sponsors, the Little Rock Nine, during its christening ceremony, emphasizing the importance of collective effort in shaping history. The launch highlights Newport News Shipbuilding’s leadership in nuclear submarine construction despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Newport News, Virginia – The Virginia-class submarine Arkansas (SSN 800) was successfully launched into the James River by HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division, marking a significant milestone in the U.S. Navy’s submarine program. Following its transition from a construction facility to a floating dry dock, the Arkansas was launched and subsequently moved to a submarine pier for final outfitting, testing, and crew certification.
The Arkansas is notable for being the 27th Virginia-class submarine and the 13th to be delivered by Newport News Shipbuilding. Equipped with enhanced stealth, maneuverability, and firepower, the submarine is expected to play a crucial role in modern naval operations. It is also the fifth naval vessel to bear the name Arkansas, following a guided-missile cruiser that was decommissioned in 1988.
This launch signifies Newport News Shipbuilding’s continued leadership as one of only two shipyards in the United States capable of constructing nuclear-powered submarines. The company has reaffirmed its commitment to increasing submarine construction cadence for the U.S. Navy. The Arkansas is projected to be fully operational by 2025, after its christening is set for December 7 this year.
The submarine’s current sponsors include the six women of the Little Rock Nine, a group known for their pivotal role in the 1957 integration of Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Their involvement signifies a deep connection to the history and values represented by the vessel and the Navy. During the christening ceremony, which will honor this milestone, Carlotta Walls LaNier, a member of the Little Rock Nine, emphasized the importance of collective effort in shaping history.
The Arkansas will undergo extensive preparations to ensure it is ready for operational use. The hull is now complete, and ongoing work focuses on making all spaces habitable for the U.S. Navy crew. Initial crew training has commenced, particularly focusing on engineering, as part of the broader preparation for deployment.
This launch comes in the context of previous challenges faced during production, notably delays attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. These issues have had an impact on timelines for the launch and subsequent delivery plans for Virginia-class submarines, reflecting the complexity of building advanced naval vessels in the current global circumstances.
Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro has praised the Arkansas and its capabilities, asserting that it represents “the very best of our submarine force capabilities.” This endorsement underscores the submarine’s expected impact on the strategic capabilities of the Navy as it continues to evolve in a changing geopolitical landscape.
The Arkansas’ launch is not just a technical achievement but also a testament to the collaborative efforts of diverse groups coming together for common goals in national service. As preparations continue for its operational debut, the significance of this submarine extends beyond its technical features to embody a spirit of resilience and purpose reflective of American values.
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