Float off: USS Idaho launches into the Thames River

Fri Aug 16th, 2024

Author: Richard Rodriguez Published: 3:22 PM MDT August 15, 2024

CONNECTICUT, USA — The USS Idaho, the U.S. Navy's newest warship, was officially launched last week in Connecticut, according to the Naval Sea Systems Command (NSSC).

The USS Idaho (SSN 799) launch or "float off" was held on Aug. 6, and the submarine entered the Thames River from the General Dynamics Electric Boat's Shipyard. Officials said the move from the shipyards building to the water is a milestone.

“Today’s launch is testament to the strong collaboration the Navy has with its shipbuilding partners,” said Capt. Mike Hollenbach, Virginia Class Submarine program manager. “IDAHO will be a valuable national asset and source of pride for our Sailors, the shipbuilders and all Americans for years to come.”

The USS Idaho was christened in Connecticut with a bottle filled with water from several Idaho lakes and named on March 16, as previously reported by KTVB.

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The USS Idaho title has been held by four naval vessels in the past, enduring two world wars and earning seven battle stars. According to NSSC, the last time a vessel held the USS Idaho name was a BB 42 battleship commissioned in 1919.

The fourth USS Idaho was decommissioned on July 3, 1946. After March's christening, the submarine is the fifth naval vessel to hold the name.

NSSC stated now that the USS Idaho is in the water, the final testing can be conducted.

Watch the full christening ceremony.

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