This New Submarine For The U.S. Navy Packs 280,000 Horsepower

The USS New Jersey (SSN 796), a nuclear-powered submarine, is the newest addition to the US Navy and was built by Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS). This Virginia-class vessel is the twenty-third to be built in collaboration with General Dynamics Electric Boat and the eleventh that NNS has delivered.

The USS New Jersey is scheduled to be commissioned in September 2024 after being named in 2021. Virginia-class submarines, built for the post-Cold War era, are versatile multi-mission assets with superior stealth, enhanced special warfare capabilities, and surveillance capabilities.

These submarines have a potent 280,000-horsepower nuclear reactor that allows them to travel at speeds above 25 knots and stay underwater for up to three months. They prioritize supply and maintenance demands while providing flexibility thanks to their 800-foot operational depth.

Torpedoes, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and Tomahawk cruise missiles are examples of armament configurations. Notably, the USS New Jersey is the first submarine constructed with adaptations for gender integration.

An important step forward is the Virginia-class program, which will replace the Navy’s outdated Los Angeles-class fleet. The USS New Jersey, which has successfully tested its systems and underwater capabilities at sea, is about to become a part of the fleet, adding to the Navy’s ability to fight wars. This accomplishment is the result of a nationwide partnership involving more than 10,000 shipbuilders and innumerable suppliers.