Rep. Courtney Marks Commissioning of USS NEW JERSEY

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) issued the following statement ahead of the Navy commissioning of the USS NEW JERSEY (SSN 796), a Virginia class fast attack submarine. Watch the Commissioning Ceremony at 10:45 a.m. tomorrow, September 14 here.

"Following rigorous sea trials, the USS NEW JERSEY will come to life as the newest and 23^rd Virginia Class fast attack submarine in the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet dedicated to protecting our nation's peace and prosperity around the globe. While over 600 women serve as officers and sailors on attack submarines today, the NEW JERSEY is the first attack submarine designed and built for a mix-gendered crew. This long overdue innovation is critical as the Navy works to recruit and retain exceptional sailors and make sure that all Navy platforms can support all those willing and capable of serving.

"Today's commissioning is also a milestone for the Virginia class program, as the 23^rd submarine in the class is officially commissioned as an operational fast attack boat for the United States submarine force. Following commissioning of the USS HYMAN G. RICKOVER last fall, NEW JERSEY marks the second boat to be commissioned in a year's time. Next month, shipbuilders will also deliver the USS IOWA to the Navy, clearly demonstrating that the submarine industrial base is recovering from a nationwide manufacturing slow-down caused by the pandemic and picking up the pace to build a stronger U.S. fleet and uphold our commitment to Australia. In Congress, I am working with my colleagues to keep this momentum strong.

"Kudos to the men and women of Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding, and the members of the NEW JERSEY Commissioning Committee for bringing us to this milestone. I wish Commander Steve Halle, Lieutenant Commander Andrew Hutchison, Master Chief Joseph Calhoun, and the entire crew of USS NEW JERSEY fair seas and following winds."