Newest Virginia-Class Named for Sub Service Pioneer

The newest Virginia-class attack submarine, SSN-795, will be named the USS Hyman G. Rickover. The vessel will carry Tomahawk cruise missiles and mine deployment-and-recovery equipment, with the capability of operating for long periods of time in deep and shallow coastal waters with a top speed exceeding 25 knots. Admiral Rickover, the vessel’s namesake, is regarded as the father of the nuclear Navy. He is credited with developing the Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine.