USS IDAHO Commemorative License Plate
Creating a Strong Bond between a Great State and a Great Ship...
Esto Perpetua
Welcome and thank you for your interest in the USS IDAHO SSN 799 Commissioning Foundation and Committee and our work in support of the commissioning and crew of the warship that will carry our state's name.
We welcome your involvement and support in our once-in-a-hundred-year project. Our Committee and its supporters include Idahoans and non-Idahoans alike. We have many military veterans, including Navy submariners, but most are simply patriots who want to make a difference for the young men and women who will sail aboard the USS IDAHO "on scene, unseen" in defense of our nation for decades to come.
The future USS IDAHO SSN 799 is a leading-edge Virginia Class nuclear-powered fast attack submarine being built by General Dynamics Electric Boat in Connecticut. She was christened in March 2024, and is likely to be commissioned into the Navy fleet during the spring of 2026. Much of the advanced acoustic stealth technology came from the US Navy’s premier Acoustic Research Laboratory in Bayview Idaho on Lake Pend Oreille and is home to the largest unmanned submarine in the world. The Navy facility is located on the former Camp Farragut; the second largest of seven Navy bootcamps in WWII, training almost 300k sailors during the war.
She will follow in the tradition of the four previous ships named USS IDAHO the most recent being Battleship 42, which was commissioned in 1919. It served with distinction in the Battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa and was present in Tokyo Bay during the signing of the formal surrender by the Empire of Japan on September 2, 1945.
The USS IDAHO Commissioning Foundation Inc. is an Idaho nonprofit corporation with Federal IRC Sec. 501(c)(3) tax exempt status (EIN 84-5147328).
The 43rd State has an amazing Naval History that even many of our residents are not aware of. From the second largest of seven Navy Bootcamps in WWII to the first Nuclear Submarine Prototype ever built to "The U.S. Submarine force's most important body of water."
Gem of the Fleet!
The USS IDAHO SSN 799 will be the 26th Virginia Class Submarine built since the 1999 and the eighth Block IV variant of the class incorporating the very latest in undersea warfighting technology and submarine construction techniques.
Our Committee responsibilities are numerous. Foremost is building the long-term connection between Idahoans and our namesake warship's young sailors who will serve aboard her in dangerous places.
USS IDAHO News
Radio Interview with Commissioning Committee Chair Richard Colburn: "USS Idaho submarine prepares to join Navy fleet" on KBSU "Idaho Matters"
November 19th, 2025
KBSU - 11/19/2025 USS Idaho submarine prepares to join Navy fleet. Radio program "Idaho Matters" interviews Commissioning Committee Chair Richard Colburn.
Radio Interview: "America's Sagebrush Navy" on KBSU "Idaho Matters"
November 19th, 2025
KBSU - 11/18/2025 Sagebrush to sea power: The untold origin of the nuclear Navy. Radio program "Idaho Matters" interviews America's Sagebrush Navy producer Aaron Kunz.
Blaine County Sheriff’s Patrol Car Dives into Idaho’s Submarine Legacy
November 12th, 2025
Eye on Sun Valley - 11/12/25 Oooohrah! The Blaine County Sheriff’s Department took the wraps off its newly wrapped patrol car this week, revealing a car that honors Idaho’s new Virginia-Class nuclear-powered fast attack submarine and Idaho’s rich history with the U.S. Navy.
USS Idaho Events
"America's Sagebrush Navy" Available to Watch Online
November 11, 2025
America's Sagebrush Navy is now available to watch online. Watch the Idaho Public Television documentary about Idaho's many contributions to the U.S. Navy, including acoustic research for submarines, nuclear propulsion for aircraft carriers and submarines, and the future USS IDAHO SSN-799.
Blaine Co. Sheriff's Office Press Release – USS Idaho SSN 799 Proclamation and Veteran Ceremony
November 10, 2025
On Monday, November 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting a special ceremony for a reading of the Blaine County USS Idaho SSN 799 Week proclamation in honor of a new U.S. Navy Virginia-Class nuclear-powered fast attack submarine named the USS Idaho, SSN 799.
Anchors of Freedom: Celebrating America250 and America's Sagebrush Navy
October 14, 2025
In honor of the US Navy’s 250th birthday on Oct. 13, please join Idaho Public Television in one of these North Idaho communities on Oct. 13, 14, or 15 to honor the intertwined histories of America’s maritime heritage and Idaho’s unique naval legacy. These events will celebrate America250, the semiquincentennial celebration of the country’s founding, through film, discussion, and community engagement. Each evening features a tailored program that elevates both local and national stories of service, innovation, and patriotism.
FREE Reception to Honor Crew Members of the Future USS IDAHO SSN 799
April 24, 2025
You're invited to a FREE reception to honor crew members of the future USS IDAHO SSN 799 submarine who will be with us on their visit to their ship's namesake. Thursday, April 24 at 6 p.m.
IDAHO 799 Christening
16 MAR 2024
Pressure Hull Complete
Fall 2023
The USS IDAHO crew and Electric Boat employees in front of the future USS IDAHO SSN 799 in October 2023. Photo courtesy of General Dynamics Electric Boat via the USS IDAHO Commissioning Committee.
Photo Courtesy of General Dynamics Electric Boat
Keel Laying Ceremony
24 AUG 2020
Hull section of the future USS IDAHO on display festooned with the US Flag, Ships Crest and the Official Seal of the State of Idaho
The ship’s Sponsor, Terry Stackley giving her keynote address
Welder Tim Cashman of Electric Boat, welds Terry Stackley’s Initials into the plate of steel that will be mounted in the submarine
The ship’s Chief of the Boat, Master Chief David Pope, Executive Officer, Lieutenant Commander Rene Medrano, Former Governor Dirk Kempthorne, Ship’s Sponsor, Terry Stackley and the Ships Commanding Officer, CDR Nicholas Meyers on stage at the Keel Laying.
IDAHO 799 Float Off
See this incredible footage of the Float Off (Launch) of the IDAHO 799 at Electric Boat in Groton on 06 AUG 2024.
IDAHO 799 Roll out
See this amazing time-lapse footage of the IDAHO 799 being rolled out of the manufacturing building at Electric Boat in Groton and being staged for the Float Off.
USS IDAHO March
Silver and Gold Beneath the Waves
A march dedicated to the sailors of the USS IDAHO SSN 799 serving our nation and representing the people of the great state of Idaho
Composer: Professor Dan Bukvich, University of Idaho Lionel Hampton School of Music
The complete breakdown of the different parts of Silver and Gold Beneath the Waves by Professor Dan Bukvich.
Links
IDAHO Public Television
IDAHO EXPERIENCE
Idaho's Nuclear Navy
ARD Bayview Video
