Rep. Courtney Celebrates Launch of Future USS IDAHO

NORWICH, CT - Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) made the following statement after the future USS IDAHO launched from General Dynamics Electric Boat's shipyard into the Thames River on August 6. Congress authorized funding for the construction of the IDAHO in the FY17 National Defense Authorization Act. Courtney serves as the Ranking Member of the Seapower and Projection Forces subcommittee, which authorizes submarine construction and industrial base support.

"Congratulations to the talented shipbuilders, Commander Randall Leslie (USN), and his entire crew for the launch of the future USS IDAHO, the 26^th Virginia Class submarine. PCU IDAHO's float-off marks one of several milestones in Virginia class submarine construction. Last year, USS IOWA was christened on June 20th, and USS Rickover commissioned in October. This year, the USS NEW JERSEY is slated for commissioning next month, and IOWA's delivery is slated in October, and USS Massachusetts in early 2025. This momentum makes clear that a new generation of shipbuilders is picking up the production pace. With all of the challenges our nation and our allies face, particularly our AUKUS ally Australia, now is not the time to falter in our commitment to keep this growing tempo on track."