Navy commissions USS Montana (SSN 794)

HELENA — On Saturday, June 25, the U.S. Navy commissioned the usMontana (SSN 794) in a conventional ceremony held at Naval Station Norfolk.

Below Secretary of the Navy Erik Ok. Raven, highlighted Montana’s capabilities on the occasion.

“When USS Montana joins that fleet, she’s going to add subsequent era of stealth, surveillance, and particular warfare capabilities to our Joint Drive, and lengthen our built-in deterrence capabilities,” mentioned Raven. “This highly effective boat and her crew will defend our sea lanes, strengthen our maritime dominance, and contribute to strengthening {our relationships} with our allies and companions.”

Virginia-class fast-attack submarine was constructed by Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII). Greater than 10,000 shipbuilders from Newport Information Shipbuilding and Electrical Boat have participated in Montana’s development for the reason that work started in Could 2015. She’s greater than 370 toes lengthy, 34 toes large, and about 7,800 tons.

Governor Greg Gianforte praised the vessel, management and crew on the occasion. He thanked all assigned to Montana for his or her sacrifices in service to their nation.

“Our state will at all times help you, your crew members, your households and your missions in unsure occasions,” Gianforte mentioned. “When these unsure occasions come I hope crew members will draw energy from one Montana worth specifically, resilience.”

Gianforte pointed to current extreme flooding within the state that destroyed properties and significant infrastructure for instance of Montana resilience.

“Montanans, unsure of their very own future, helped stranded guests. Neighbors got here from far and large to stack sandbags, haul mud out of basements and put lives again collectively,” famous Gianforte.

Gianforte additionally praised the usMontana Committee for giving Montana voices to the venture. The committee is a bunch of volunteer Montanans from throughout our state who help the commissioning. Additionally they present applicable monetary help for instructional, ceremonial, operational and different wants of the usMontana not supplied by the U.S. Navy due to finances or different constraints.

The brand new submarine is the second U.S. Navy ship to honor the state. The primary USS Montana (ACR-13), an armored cruiser, was additionally constructed at Newport Information Shipbuilding and commissioned July 1908. She served within the Atlantic and Mediterranean, landed Marines throughout unrest in Haiti in 1914 and escorted convoys throughout World Conflict I. She was decommissioned in 1921. Two different battleships (BB 51 and 67) have been to have been named Montana nevertheless, have been canceled in 1922 and 1943 respectively.