USS Idaho Commissioning Note

Boise, Idaho – On August 22, 2015 Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus hosted a ship naming ceremony to announce that SSN 799, a Virginia class attack submarine, would bear the name USS IDAHO. The submarine is named in recognition of all military service veterans from the state and in honor of the history that Idaho has had with the U. S. Navy. Construction of the reactor compartment commenced in the Fall of 2019. Laydown of the hull compartments is scheduled to commence in the Fall of 2020 with a traditional ceremony where the Ship Sponsor’s initials are welded into a keel plate. The Sponsor is Theresa Stackley, wife of Sean Stackley – Former Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition. The christening ceremony is scheduled for the Fall of 2021 / Spring of 2022. Commissioning activities are planned for the Fall 2022 / Spring of 2023. The ceremonial events and associated activities will be held in Groton, CT. SSN 799 is the fifth Navy ship to be named after the Great State of Idaho. Those preceding her include the Steam Sloop (1866 – 1873), Battleship BB24 (1908 – 1914), Motor Boat SP545 (1917 – 1918) and Battleship BB45 (1919 – 1946). The USS IDAHO SSN 799 Commissioning Foundation is in the process or organizing and will commence a media kickoff and fundraising campaign later in 2020. The Foundation’s responsibilities will include public relations and community outreach across the state; coordination of Ship’s Crew and Ship’s Sponsor visits to the state; planning, preparation and execution of ceremonial events and activities to be held in Groton , CT and fundraising to support all associated activities and to provide for gifts to the ship and its crew.

Want to participate as a member of the USS IDAHO Commissioning Foundation? Send me an email rfife601g@gmail.com . We can make things happen where ever you are.

Richard Fife LCDR US Navy (ret) (1120) NROTC IDAHO ‘73’

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