USS Idaho SSN-799 nears commissioning after years of work and statewide support

Thu Aug 7th, 2025

As part of Preston’s 125th birthday celebration, Former Navy Captain Marty Sattison gave an update on Tuesday, July 29, on the nearly complete USS Idaho (SSN-799) — the U.S. Navy’s newest nuclear-powered fast attack submarine. After years of construction and community support, the state-of-the-art vessel is almost ready to join the fleet.

Idaho has long been connected to the US Navy despite being landlocked, Sattison said.

“To understand why, you have to go clear back to December 1941 — to the attack on Pearl Harbor. After the attack, it was obvious that the United States had some vulnerabilities along their coast and the islands,” he explained. “So they made a strategic decision to move a lot of its infrastructure away from the coast to make it less susceptible to attack by foreign enemies.”

Idaho, with its vast open land, was a prime spot for training, medical and awareness facilities.

Numerous ships have historically taken the name “Idaho,” most recently the BB42 commissioned in 1919 — over 100 years ago — which served during World War II, earning itself seven battle stars.

The hope is to have the new vessel commissioned in the Spring of 2026 — and it will serve as more than just a state-of-the-art warship. It’s a floating testament to community, tradition and Idaho’s deep-rooted relationship with the nation’s armed forces.

The USS Idaho is deeply tied to the culture and identity of its namesake state. Idahoans have been involved at every step — fundraising, design support, historical research and even menu planning.

The crew galley and wardroom will be decorated with murals of Idaho landscapes, including the Sawtooths and Redfish Lake. A statewide photo contest is underway to select images for digital displays and printed bulkhead art.

Meals will also reflect Idaho culture. The first dinner served on board? Elk steaks, baked potatoes and huckleberry pie. Culinary specialists have even trained at the Sun Valley Culinary Institute to learn how to cook Idaho-style dishes.

Since the project began, Idaho’s citizens, veterans and businesses have rallied around the USS Idaho. The Commissioning Committee has raised over $1.4 million to support the crew and commissioning activities.

“We’ve had more than a dozen crew visits to the state,” Sattison noted. “We divide Idaho into four regions, and each one has hosted them. The Chief of the Boat even said, ‘I’m going to retire here.’”

Eighteen Idaho companies have each donated $50,000, while countless individuals have contributed at every level. A fundraising raffle of a custom Harley-Davidson with a USS Idaho license plate brought in more than $40,000 alone.

The USS Idaho was christened on March 16, 2024, in Connecticut—but in a uniquely Idaho way. Instead of champagne, the ship was baptized with water from Lake Pend Oreille, Redfish Lake, Henrys Lake and the Snake River.

“We thought that was pretty cool. No one else had done that,” he said.

Even the ship’s bells are cast from bronze grommets recovered from retired U.S. flags, collected and ceremonially decommissioned by Boy Scouts across Idaho.

The support hasn’t stopped at photos and flags. Two Idaho breweries have created commemorative beers — “Spud Juice” and “Spud Brew” — while others have made USS Idaho-themed vodka, potato chips, knives and even silver coins made entirely from Idaho silver.

The submarine’s motto is “Always Fully Loaded.” Its banner stretches between the ship and the pier, and its crest was designed with Idaho heritage in mind.

Once active, the USS Idaho will officially join the Navy fleet as a stealth force for global security. It’s one of the most advanced submarines ever built. Gone are the traditional periscopes and steering wheels. In their place are photonics masts, fiber optics and Xbox controllers.

“Instead of a 12-inch hole in your hull, you’ve got a fiber optic cable the size of your thumb,” Sattison explained. “The officer on the deck sees infrared, cameras and range finders on 50-inch monitors — and everyone sees what he sees. And yes, the controls are literally a video game controller.”

This shift has also allowed the Navy to redesign the command center. With no physical periscope mast taking up space, the control room has expanded to 34 feet wide and now houses all command operations — navigation, sonar, weapons control and leadership — side by side in one open room.

The sub also includes a lockout trunk, enabling Navy SEALs to deploy underwater without surfacing.

“They pop out with mini subs or individual propulsion units, do their mission, turn around, come back — and no one knows they’ve been gone.”

Idaho Senator James Risch, alongside Senator Mike Crapo and Congressman Mike Simpson, recognized Preston and its 125th celebration this week on a national level, through a proclamation read on the senate floor. Councilman Brent Dodge shared the statement with those in attendance on Tuesday.

“The City of Preston is a true testament to Western American heritage,” he read. “These values are evident in the kindness of the community, rich agricultural roots and the Famous Preston Night Rodeo.”

The USS Idaho is a testament of Western American heritage, too. It will make its namesake proud, Sattison said, and the state’s efforts and continued support for the ship will aid in nation defense for decades to come.

For more on the submarine, its history or to donate to the cause, visit the Commissioning Committee’s official site at SSN799.org.