Navy receives first Virginia-class sub built for coeds

Newport News Shipbuilding recently delivered fast-attack submarine USS New Jersey to the Navy, officials announced Thursday.

The 7,800-ton submarine was built as part of a team agreement between Newport News Shipbuilding and General Dynamics Electric Boat in Connecticut. The New Jersey is the 11th Virginia-class submarine to be delivered by the Newport News shipyard to the Navy, the company said.

The delivery comes as the companies face major shipbuilding delays. Blocks four and five of Virginia-class submarines, the Navy said earlier this month, are delayed 24-36 months.

The New Jersey, which is part of the fifth block, was delivered roughly two years late. Construction began in March 2016, according to Newport News Shipbuilding. The company said in March 2021 the ship was scheduled to be delivered in 2022.

According to the USS New Jersey Commission Committee, the ship will be put into active service in September with a commissioning ceremony.

It is the first submarine designed to accommodate coed crews after the Navy announced in 2011 the inclusion of women in the submarine community. The ship is part of the class of nuclear-powered submarines that will replace the Navy’s aging Los Angeles-class submarines as they are retired.

“The mission ahead for New Jersey and her crew is clear, and we applaud our shipbuilders for delivering this critical capability to the fleet, while maintaining our highest standards of safety and quality,” said Jason Ward, Newport News Shipbuilding vice president of Virginia-class submarine construction.