April 5, 2025 – The U.S. Navy officially welcomes its newest Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarine to the fleet – the U.S.S. Iowa.
The new U.S.S. Iowa’s keel was laid down on August 20, 2019 at the Quonset Point Facility of General Dynamics Electric Boat in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. She was christened on June 17, 2023 by Christie Vilsack, the boat’s sponsor and former First Lady of Iowa.
The commissioning of the U.S.S. Iowa marks a new chapter for the state’s naval legacy, as the submarine begins active duty in the Navy’s fleet. The Iowa is the seventh naval vessel to bear the name of the Hawkeye State. The previous U.S.S. Iowa served from 1942 to 1990 and played key roles in World War II, the Korean War, and the Gulf War, leaving behind a proud legacy.
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