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HII has revealed that its Newport News Shipbuilding division has achieved a milestone in the construction of the US’ new Virginia Class submarine, Oklahoma.
Finalising the “pressure hull” aspect of manufacturing, this means that USS Oklahoma’s hull sections have joined together, forming a single unit, making it watertight and submersible.
“Achieving pressure hull complete on Oklahoma highlights our commitment to accelerating production and delivering unmatched capability to our Navy customer,” said Jason Ward, Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) vice president of new construction submarine programs.
“Our dedicated shipbuilders, Navy teammates and suppliers from across the country are working hand in hand to bring Oklahoma to life.”
Built by NNS, the nuclear-powered Virginia Class represents the growing and changing nature of modern maritime demands and warfare capabilities. This class is designed to deliver greater firepower, agility and stealth, underscoring the Navy’s focus on maintaining a strong presence and defensive advantage underwater.
Australia is set to receive US-built Virginia Class submarines as part of the trilateral AUKUS submarine defence deal, providing Australia with nuclear-powered submarines before UK-designed and Australian-built SSN subs are delivered to the Royal Australian Navy.
The submarine is sponsored by Mary “Molly” Slavonic, who along with her husband, former acting Under Secretary of the Navy, Greg Slavonic, played a role in establishing the USS Oklahoma (BB-37) Memorial at Pearl Harbor.
USS Oklahoma is the 29th Virginia Class fast-attack submarine and the 14th delivered by NNS.
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