Navy takes delivery of future USS Idaho submarine

January 7, 2026

By Reader Staff

The USS Idaho Commissioning Committee announced earlier in December that the Virginia Class, nuclear-powered fast attack submarine bearing the state’s name has been delivered to the U.S. Navy.

“This is the last major milestone prior to commissioning, which we anticipate will take place in the spring of 2026,” the commission stated.

The future USS Idaho and its crew are undergoing testing in Groton, Conn. Once training exercises have been completed and the ship is certified for all its potential missions, it will have an estimated service life of more than 30 years.

*PCU Idaho departs the Groton, Conn. shipyard while undergoing Alpha and Bravo sea trials. Photo courtesy U.S. Navy.*

“Idaho represents the hard work and tenacity of shipbuilders, industry partners and Navy personnel to deliver the best undersea warfighting platform to the fleet,” stated Capt. Mike Hollenbach, Virginia Class submarine program manager. “With each delivery, the Navy reinforces our nation’s superiority in the maritime domain.”

Built by General Dynamics Electric Boat, the future USS Idaho will be the 26th Virginia Class submarine co-produced by GDEB and HII-Newport News Shipbuilding through a longstanding agreement.

When it joins the fleet, USS Idaho will be the fifth Navy ship to be named for the Gem State. The first was a wooden-hulled storeship commissioned in 1866. The last was battleship BB 42, which was commissioned in 1919 and received seven battle stars for service in World War II.

According to a news release from the Navy, the future USS Idaho will feature enhanced stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and special warfare enhancements.