The U.S. Navy commissioned its latest fast-attack Virginia-class submarine, the usNew Jersey (SSN 796), in a ceremony held on September 14 at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Middletown, New Jersey.
The occasion marked the official addition of the third U.S. Navy vessel named after the state of New Jersey, following the storied battleship BB-62, which served in World Conflict II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam Conflict.
“It is a actually historic second,” stated Cmdr. Steve Halle, commanding officer of the usNew Jersey. In his speech, Halle praised the shipbuilders, distinguished company, and supporting organizations, whereas dedicating the second to his crew. “You use probably the most complicated platform on the planet and also you repeatedly attempt for excellence. I’m amazed and humbled at what we have now achieved,” Halle stated.
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The usNew Jersey is the Navy’s first absolutely built-in fast-attack submarine, reflecting the varied and cohesive crew that may function the vessel. Halle acknowledged this distinctive facet, including, “Our superior professionalism is enhanced by our crew integration and our range. We’ve exceeded expectations at each flip.”
The ship’s sponsor, Susan DiMarco, spouse of former Secretary of Homeland Safety Jeh Johnson, gave the standard command to “man our ship and convey her to life.” The crew responded with a convincing “aye aye, ma’am” and ceremonially ran aboard the submarine, formally bringing the vessel into service.
New Jersey Governor Philip Murphy, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, and different notable figures from Newport Information Shipbuilding and Normal Dynamics Electrical Boat spoke on the ceremony, highlighting the submarine’s superior capabilities and the significance of its function in fashionable naval operations.
The usNew Jersey is a formidable vessel, measuring 377 ft in size with a 34-foot beam. It could actually dive to depths better than 800 ft and journey at speeds over 25 knots. With a crew of 135 Navy personnel, the submarine is provided for a variety of missions together with anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, and particular operations.
Quick-attack submarines like the usNew Jersey play a vital function in supporting 5 of the Navy’s six core maritime methods: sea management, energy projection, ahead presence, maritime safety, and deterrence. Designed to excel in a number of warfare domains, these submarines undertaking energy ashore by means of particular operations and Tomahawk cruise missiles, and supply vital intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance in instances of regional crises.
Cmdr. Halle mirrored on the importance of the day, stating, “The legacy we have now inherited from the state of New Jersey and the battleship BB-62 will carry ahead in our pursuit of greatness.” He concluded, “Right this moment, we commissioned our ship, and she or he is the quickest, most superior, absolutely built-in fast-attack thus far.”
The usNew Jersey now joins the U.S. Navy’s fleet, ready to help international operations and keep the nation’s maritime superiority.
