USS Idaho Crew Members Visit Idaho Capital, Governor Launches Commemorative Plate

Fri Apr 25th, 2025

April 23, 2025

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Governor Little welcomed the crew of the newly constructed USS Idaho to the Capital this week.

The Governor launched a new Idaho license plate design that supports the new USS Idaho nuclear submarine, the Navy's newest in a series of cutting-edge submarines.

The USS Idaho was christened on March 16, 2024, and launched on August 16th. The submarine is one of the first in the fleet to feature an innovative "Magnetohydrodynamic drive," a state-of-the-art new technology that allows the craft to move completely silently. This round of Virginia-class nuclear-powered subs is designed to operate in both deep and shallow waters, according to the Navy.

Members of the crew are in Idaho as part of an effort to draw a connection and relationship between crew members of the USS Idaho and the boat's namesake state.

The official commission by the Navy is expected to occur in roughly one year. In the meantime, Idahoans can honor the newest Navy sub with the USS Idaho license plate.

Watch the ceremony and listen to Governor Little's comments at the USS IDAHO license plate bill at the bill signing with the crew of the future USS IDAHO on CBS2 here (9 min)