Governor Stitt announces USS Oklahoma, the United States Navy’s new nuclear submarine

Gov. Kevin Stitt unveiled the creation of the USS Oklahoma commission to build the 29th Virginia-class nuclear fast attack submarine in partnership with the U.S. Navy and Newport News Shipbuilding. Armed with Tomahawk missiles and MK-48 torpedoes, the USS Oklahoma will accommodate 132 sailors, 18 officers and will be equipped with advanced stealth capabilities that will make it virtually undetectable in the water.

“I couldn’t be more excited that Oklahoma is so well represented in our nation’s Navy,” he added. said Governor Stitt. “I am grateful to Principal Slavonic and the committee members for their leadership. This submarine will not only represent Oklahoma’s patriotic, God-fearing culture, but it will symbolize our commitment to innovation, safety and the men and women who protect our country. It’s an honor to help bring it to life.”

The submarine is being built in Groton, Connecticut, and Newport News, Virginia. The traditional keel laying took place on August 2, 2023, and the christening will take place in late 2025 or early 2026. After one year of sea trials, the commissioning ceremony for the U.S. Navy submarine will take place in mid-2027. USS Oklahoma already has a sixty-person crew training and supervising the construction of the boat.

“The citizens of Oklahoma should be proud to know that the United States Navy, after 80 years, has chosen to have another naval ship named the Oklahoma. Not since the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was sunk by the Japanese during the attack on our naval fleet at Pearl Harbor, has any ship or submarine been named Oklahoma. said Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs Executive Director Greg Slavonic. “On that fateful day, 429 sailors and Marines lost their lives – second only to the USS Arizona. The new Oklahoma submarine will generate power, keep the sea lanes open and ensure freedom for every Oklahoman and our nation.”

The commissioning committee will include U.S. Naval Academy graduate and Naval Seabee Rocky Goins as chairman, retired Commander Tucker McHugh as treasurer and Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs Executive Director Greg Slavonic. Governor Stitt, Senator Lankford, and Senator Mullin will serve as honorary chairs. Molly Slavonic is the official sponsor of the ship. One of the commission’s first actions is to provide scholarship opportunities for Oklahoma sailors to further their education, even while serving underwater

“It is difficult for young sailors to continue their education when they spend months underwater without access to the Internet,” he added. Goins said. “We have had preliminary and productive conversations with Oklahoma Chancellor Allison Garrett and Secretary of Education Nellie Sanders to see if our Oklahoma colleges can develop programs that our Sailors can take with them when they sail to ensure they continue to thrive. It could be a game changer for them if we create a program that the Navy will approve.”

Commander Aaron “Okie Skipper” Stutzman, captain-elect of the USS Oklahoma, plans for crew members to visit Oklahoma regularly to enjoy the “Okie spirit.” Commander Stutzman is enthusiastic about the committee’s interest in expanding the seafarer education program and exploring opportunities for cooperation with the Navy.