Iowa
Navy christens USS Iowa, the first submarine named after the state
GROTON, Connecticut — The Navy christened one of its newest Virginia-class fast-attack submarines, the USS Iowa (SSN 797), during a ceremony at General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut.
In a time-honored Navy tradition, the submarine’s sponsor, Mrs. Christie Vilsack, christened the boat by breaking a bottle of sparkling wine across the bow. Vilsack is an Iowa native who most recently served as the education advisor to the chancellor of Colorado State University. Vilsack’s husband Tom served two terms as Iowa Governor and currently serves as President Biden’s Ag Secretary, a position he also held during the Obama Administration.
The USS Iowa is the fourth U.S. Navy vessel and first submarine named in recognition of the state. Virginia-class submarines are built to operate in the world’s littoral and deep waters while conducting various missions.
These capabilities allow the submarine force to contribute to regional stability and preservation of future peace while operating everywhere international law allows.