The U.S. Navy officially commissioned its newest Virginia-class fast attack submarine, the USS Iowa, on a recent Saturday in Groton, Connecticut. The ceremony marks the introduction of this advanced vessel into the Navy’s fleet.

The USS Iowa measures 377 feet in length and was constructed by General Dynamics Electric Boat. It is capable of diving to depths exceeding 800 feet and can achieve speeds greater than 25 knots, which is approximately 29 miles per hour. This submarine is outfitted with Tomahawk cruise missiles and a nuclear reactor, which allows for operations without the need for refueling.

As a Virginia-class submarine, the USS Iowa comes equipped with versatile design features. These include a spacious lock-in/lock-out chamber for special operations divers and a torpedo room that can be reconfigured as needed. Additionally, the vessel is designed to deploy unmanned undersea vehicles.

At the commissioning ceremony, Navy Secretary John Phelan emphasized the evolving nature of naval warfare. He stated, “Where battleships once ruled the seas, it is the silent strength of submarines that provides our Navy with an unmatched strategic advantage.” He underscored the commissioning as both a significant milestone for the USS Iowa and an important advancement in strengthening the Navy’s capabilities.

The USS Iowa is the first U.S. Navy vessel to be named after the state of Iowa since the renowned World War II battleship Iowa (BB-61). The submarine has a crew of 135 sailors, and U.S. Fleet Forces Commander Adm. Daryl Caudle remarked on the crew’s dedication and the significance of the vessel in projecting military power globally.

Cmdr. Gregory Coy, the commanding officer of the USS Iowa, expressed pride in the commissioning, highlighting the contributions of shipbuilders and Navy leaders to prepare the submarine. He stated, “This event is significant for both the life of a submarine and for the amazing people from the Hawkeye State.”

The operations capabilities of U.S. Navy fast attack submarines include conducting anti-submarine, anti-ship, strike, special operations, intelligence, reconnaissance, mine, and surveillance missions, thereby supporting a range of military objectives.

**About the Author:**
Zita Ballinger Fletcher has a background in military history, having served as editor for Military History Quarterly and Vietnam magazines, and as historian for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. She holds an M.A. with distinction in military history.