Here Comes the USS Montana: The US Navy’s Latest Stealth Submarine
The USS Montana (SSN-794) is set to join the ranks of the Virginia-class submarines of the United States Navy. Named after the U.S. state of Montana, this submarine carries a significant historical and patriotic resonance. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced the vessel’s name on September 3, 2015, during a ceremony in Billings, Montana, attended by U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-MT). This vessel will be the second commissioned warship to bear the name “Montana,” honoring the state’s contribution to the nation.
The journey of the USS Montana began with a crucial contract modification initiated in April 2012. This contract, worth $594.7 million, was awarded to General Dynamics Electric Boat and included funding for the USS Oregon (SSN-793) and the USS Wyoming (SSN-795) alongside the Montana. Further financial support followed on December 23, 2014, with an additional $121.8 million contract modification aimed at purchasing long lead-time materials necessary for the construction of these Virginia-class submarines.
The investment in the Virginia-class program underscores the U.S. Navy’s commitment to enhancing its undersea warfare capabilities. On April 28, 2014, General Dynamics Electric Boat was awarded a monumental contract worth $17.6 billion to construct ten Block IV Virginia-class submarines. These advanced submarines are designed to provide the Navy with enhanced stealth, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. The tenth and final submarine in this series is scheduled for delivery in 2023, marking a significant milestone in the modernization of the Navy’s fleet.
The USS Montana is a testament to the evolution of naval engineering and technology, embodying the spirit of innovation and resilience. As it prepares to embark on its maiden voyage, the submarine will serve as a critical asset in maintaining the United States’ maritime dominance and safeguarding its national interests. The USS Montana, with its advanced capabilities and state-of-the-art technology, represents the future of naval warfare and stands as a proud symbol of the state of Montana’s legacy.
