Photos sought to furnish interior of nuclear attack sub USS Idaho

May 28, 2025

By Reader Staff

The commissioning committee for the forthcoming USS Idaho SSN 799 is seeking artistic submissions from Gem State residents to decorate the interior of the Virginia class nuclear-powered, fast-attack submarine.

In an announcement May 27, the committee called for photographic contributions on the theme of “Here We Have Idaho” — the title of the Idaho state song. Officials will select between 200 and 300 photos to be featured in a video on the theme, for presentation to the crew and visitors on monitors throughout the ship. A further 20-30 images will be printed and mounted either in frames or as vinyl murals in the submarine’s interior.

“Given the namesake of the ship is Idaho, the USS Idaho Commissioning Committee wants the interior of the vessel, where possible, to reflect the beauty, culture and spirit of Idaho,” officials stated.

Photographs used electronically and physically mounted will credit the photographer and briefly name the area of Idaho or landmark shown. Specifically, submissions are sought for one large mural — measuring approximately five feet by 18 feet long — two smaller murals, of three feet by 10 feet; and 20-30 framed pieces of various sizes.

Photos will be accepted through Thursday, July 31 and the contest is being held in partnership with the commissioning committee and Idaho Public Television. In addition, the new USS Idaho commemorative license plate will be available at Idaho DMV locations and online starting on Thursday, June 19.

The $2.6 billion ship was christened in March 2024 and is currently under construction in Groton, Conn., scheduled to be commissioned in 2026. After that, it will enter service for the next 30 or more years.

Get more info at ussidahocommittee.org/photo-contest.