USS IDAHO Commissioning Committee Press Release 12/15/25: Future USS IDAHO submarine delivered to the U.S. Navy

Tue Dec 16th, 2025

For immediate release, December 15, 2025

Contact: Tim Marsano, USS IDAHO Commissioning Committee Public Affairs,

(208) 789-7456 timothy.marsano@ussidahocommittee.org

Future USS IDAHO submarine delivered to the U.S. Navy

The future USS IDAHO SSN 799 is a Virginia Class, nuclear powered, fast attack submarine currently undergoing testing in Groton Connecticut. The submarine is scheduled to be commissioned in 2026. Once commissioned, the ship will sail the world for the next +30 years, pulling into numerous ports and hosting heads of state and dignitaries.

Last week, the Future USS IDAHO was delivered to and accepted by the U.S. Navy. This is the last major milestone prior to commissioning, which we anticipate will take place in the Spring of 2026. In the meanwhile, the USS IDAHO crew will conduct a series of rigorous training exercises and become certified in all of their potential missions.

Below is a cut-and-paste of the Navy's news release announcing the milestone. The official news release, with photos, can be found here: https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/display-news/Article/4360305/future-uss-idaho-delivered-to-us-navy/

General Dynamics Electric Boat, the submarine's builder, has placed additional photos of the event on their Facebook page at

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1506428457612073&set=pb.100047348000167.-2207520000

Future USS Idaho Delivered to U.S. Navy 15 December 2025 From Team Submarine Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. – The U.S. Navy accepted delivery of the Submarine Force’s newest fast attack submarine, the future USS Idaho (SSN 799), from General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB) Dec. 15, marking the second delivery of a Virginia-class fast attack submarine this year.

The delivery represents the official transfer of the submarine from the shipbuilder to the Navy. The submarine and crew will continue to undergo a series of tests and trials before being commissioned into active service, which is expected to take place in the spring.

“Idaho represents the hard work and tenacity of shipbuilders, industry partners and Navy personnel to deliver the best undersea warfighting platform to the fleet,” said Capt. Mike Hollenbach, Virginia-class submarine program manager. “With each delivery, the Navy reinforces our Nation’s superiority in the maritime domain.”

Idaho is the 26th Virginia-class submarine co-produced by GDEB and HII-Newport News Shipbuilding through a long-standing teaming arrangement. It is the 14th delivered by GDEB and is the eighth of 10 Block IV configured attack submarines.

When it joins the fleet, Idaho will bring significant warfighting capability to the fleet, underscoring the Nation’s asymmetrical advantage at sea. Virginia-class fast-attack submarines have enhanced stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and special warfare enhancements that enable them to meet the Navy’s multi-mission requirements.

The future USS Idaho is the fifth Navy ship to be named for the state of Idaho. The first was a wooden-hulled storeship commissioned in 1866. The last was battleship BB 42, which was commissioned in 1919 and received seven battle stars for service in World War II.

The delivery of USS Idaho symbolizes the Navy's 250-year commitment to innovation and maritime dominance. From seabed to space, the Navy delivers power for peace – always ready to fight and win. This milestone marks the Navy's enduring legacy and commitment to shaping the future of maritime power.

For more information:

https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/article/2169558/attack-submarines-ssn/

__Here is a list of the successful completion of milestones for the future USS IDAHO: __ - Received its official name in August 2015

- Keel laying: August 24, 2020

- Christening: March 16, 2024

- Launched: August 6, 2024

- Galley Grand Opening August 21, 2025

- Autumn 2025: Completion of Alpha Sea Trials

- December 2015: Delivery to the U.S. Navy

- Commissioning into the U.S. Navy Fleet: Anticipated for Spring, 2026

Note for reporters:

- Until the submarine is actually commissioned into the U.S. Navy fleet, it is referenced as the "future" USS IDAHO

- Please note that this delivery is not to be confused with the commissioning of the submarine into the U.S. Navy fleet. As mentioned, that milestone is anticipated for Spring 2026, although we do not yet know the exact date. Look for that announcement in a future news release.

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About the USS IDAHO Commissioning Committee:

- We serve as the state’s agent for the planning, preparation, funding and conduct of traditional and celebratory lay down, christening and commissioning activities under the guidelines of the Secretary of the Navy.

- We conduct a statewide outreach of social, informative and educational activities to create the bond between the people of Idaho and those who serve in defense of our great state and nation on the USS IDAHO.

- We identify and implement a sustainable program so that the crews of the USS IDAHO, from the first crew to all future crews, see tangible ongoing support from the people of Idaho to the crew and families.

More information on the committee, its goals and activities can be found at https://ussidahocommittee.org/ Visitors to the website will also find a wealth of information about the submarine and its capabilities.