The Future USS IDAHO Submarine Opens Ship's Galley

Mon Sep 22nd, 2025

By JODIE SCHWICHT jschwicht@postregister.com

GROTON, CT — A construction milestone in the building of the future USS Idaho SSN 799 was reached late last month, commemorated by a grand opening of the submarine’s ship galley on August 21.

According to a press release from the USS Idaho Public Affairs Committee, the vessel is a Virginia Class, nuclear-powered, fast-attack submarine currently under construction in Groton, Connecticut. USS Idaho is scheduled to be commissioned in 2026, with a 30-plus year sailing cycle ahead of it once commissioned, pulling into numerous ports and hosting heads of state and dignitaries.

As the future USS Idaho undergoes a rigorous series of exercises prior to its commissioning next year, sailors are now able to enjoy meals cooked on-board. A grand opening dinner held on board featured a menu full of Idaho-inspired dishes including elk steak, Idaho potatoes, lentil soup, potato bread, and huckleberry pie. Chef Melissa Mauselle of the Sun Valley Culinary Institute assisted in meal preparation for the ceremony, while iconic sweets like huckleberry jam and Idaho Candy Company treats were also featured.

The milestone celebration also saw visiting dignitaries and members of the USS Idaho Commissioning Committee, including Ship's Sponsor Terry Stackley and Ship's Matron of Honor Tess Stackley.