The Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division of HII formally began construction of the future USS Barb (SSN-804), after holding the keel-laying ceremony at its Newport News facilities in the State of Virginia on December 9. This is the 31st submarine of the Virginia class and the 15th to be delivered by this shipyard.
During the event, NNS President Kari Wilkinson highlighted the significance of beginning work on the U.S. Navy’s submarine program. “Our reason for coming together this morning represents not only the laying of the next keel, but a solemn commitment we make to our country,” she stated. She also emphasized that the process “marks the beginning of a construction journey” sustained by the coordinated work between shipbuilders and associated institutions.
The future USS Barb will be the third submarine to bear that name. The first, SS-220, served during World War II under the command of Eugene “Lucky” Fluckey and earned four Presidential Citations, a Navy Unit Commendation, and eight battle stars. The second, SSN-596, was commissioned in 1963 and took part in special operations during the Vietnam War.
The sponsor of the new SSN-804 is Pamela Bove, whose professional career began at the Navy Operational Intelligence Center. Bove stated: “It is an honor to serve as sponsor for Barb and to see the legacy of this historic submarine carried into a new generation. I am grateful to the shipbuilders who are working diligently to build this vessel and to all the sailors who will serve aboard over the coming decades.”
During the ceremony, NNS welder Andrew Kahler engraved Bove’s initials into a metal plate, which will be permanently fixed to the submarine’s hull as part of the traditional process confirming that the keel has been “truly and fairly laid.”
The Virginia class, developed for long-range attack operations and intelligence missions, continues to expand its capabilities with successive variants designed to improve availability, maneuverability, and stealth across the fleet.
Recent progress in the Virginia program
Construction of the USS Barb comes during a year of steady activity for the program. On November 21, the U.S. Navy received the USS Massachusetts (SSN-798), the 25th submarine of the class and the tenth of Block IV. The delivery took place at the same Newport News shipyard.
According to Captain Mike Hollenbach, program manager, “with each delivery of a Virginia-class submarine, the Navy strengthens its partnership with industry to maintain our undersea superiority.” The Massachusetts will continue trials and validations with its future crew in preparation for commissioning in mid-2026.
The Virginia program, built jointly by NNS and General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB), forms the core of the U.S. Navy’s nuclear-powered attack submarine fleet and is progressively replacing the Los Angeles-class submarines.
Impact of the AUKUS agreement on submarine production
The analysis will be discussed between the U.S. and Australian Defense and Foreign Affairs ministers during bilateral meetings and later in trilateral discussions with the United Kingdom. According to Australian and British officials, the report has already been received and is under review.
AUKUS represents the largest defense commitment in Australian history, and the continuation of the program was reaffirmed following the meeting between Donald Trump and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the White House in October.
Images for illustration purposes – Cover photo: USS Virginia (SSN 774).
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Excellent article- he was my father- pam is my daughter-in- law. Thanks for your coverage.