HII launches US Navy’s 23rd Virginia-class submarine New Jersey (SSN 796)

Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) has launched the US Navy’s Block IV Virginia-class attack submarine, the future USS New Jersey (SSN 796).

The 23rd submarine was launched into the James River for the first time at HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division.

The company moved New Jersey to the shipyard’s submarine pier with the help of tugboats. It will now undergo final testing, outfitting and crew certification.

HII Newport News Shipbuilding Virginia-class submarine construction vice-president Jason Ward said: “Achieving this construction milestone is a very rewarding event to our shipbuilding team.