A photo illustration of the Virginia-class attack submarine USS Vermont (SSN 792). (U.S. Navy photo illustration/Released)
On October 20, two new Virginia-class nuclear-capable attack sumbarines were christened as the USS Vermont (SSN 792) and the USS Delaware (SSN 791).
The USS Delaware is the 18th Virginia-class attack submarine and the eighth and final Virginia-class Block III submarine. The USS Vermont is the 19th Virginia-class attack submarine and the first of ten Virginia-class Block IV submarines. Each of the subs carry 12 Tomahawk cruise missiles, which can carry a nuclear warhead.
“Virginia-class submarines are built to operate in the world’s littoral and deep waters while conducting anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface ship warfare; strike warfare; special operation forces support; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions. Their inherent stealth, endurance, mobility and firepower directly enable them to support five of the six maritime strategy core capabilities – sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence,” the US Navy said in its statement on these development.
Electric Boat christened the Virginia-class attack submarine Vermont (SSN 792) Saturday, October 20, 2018 in Groton #navy #submarine #ussvermont #pcuvermont #vermont #silentservice #christening #electricboat #grotonct #thedayct pic.twitter.com/V4kKVkF66s
— Sean D. Elliot (@seandelliot) October 20, 2018
Both the USS Delaware and the USS Vermont will be delivered to the Navy in 2019, according to the Pentagon.
