The United States Navy is poised to welcome the USS Oklahoma (SSN-802), a state-of-the-art Virginia Class nuclear submarine, symbolizing a profound connection to naval history while projecting American sea power well into the future.

This new warship pays homage to the memory of its namesake, the USS Oklahoma battleship, which tragically sank during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 with a loss of 429 American servicemen.

The long-awaited submarine reached a significant milestone in its journey toward active service with a traditional keel-laying ceremony at HII-Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia.

The keel-laying is a naval custom that not only signals the transition from design to construction but also serves as a testament to the hard work of thousands involved in its creation.

It was during this ceremony that Mary “Molly” Slavonic, an Oklahoma native and vessel sponsor, had her initials welded onto a steel plate that will be part of the USS Oklahoma throughout its service life.

Construction on the future USS Oklahoma began in 2019, with an expected delivery in the mid-2020s. As the 29th Virginia-class nuclear submarine, the USS Oklahoma represents the “Block V” configuration, boasting a length of 377 feet, a beam of 34 feet, and a displacement of 7,900 tons.

The advanced capabilities of the submarine include 16 torpedo tubes for launching Mark 48 torpedoes, Tomahawk missiles, and Harpoon missiles, as well as advanced mobile mines. With these formidable assets, the Oklahoma is expected to play a pivotal role in maintaining open sea lanes and upholding freedom for the United States and its allies.

With a crew capacity of 14 officers and 120 enlisted members, the submarine emphasizes the need for top-tier sailor education and development, even during prolonged underwater missions. Chairperson of the USS Oklahoma Commissioning Committee, Rocky Goins, highlighted the initiative to establish education opportunities for crew members in collaboration with Oklahoma higher education institutions.

The state of Oklahoma celebrates this new chapter in naval history with great pride, as articulated by Governor Kevin Stitt and members of the commissioning committee, including retired Admiral Greg Slavonic and former mayors of Tulsa.

Governor Stitt stressed that the USS Oklahoma epitomizes the “patriotic, God-fearing culture of Oklahoma,” and embodies the nation’s dedication to “innovation, security, and the men and women who protect our country.” Retired Admiral Slavonic reiterated this sentiment, asserting that the new Oklahoma submarine will “project power, keep our sea lanes open and ensure freedom for every Oklahoman and our nation.”

The journey of the USS Oklahoma not only honors the legacy of those lost aboard the original battleship but also affirms America’s unwavering commitment to naval superiority. As it prepares to join the fleet officially with its commissioning in mid-2027, the USS Oklahoma stands as a testament to the resilience and innovation that characterizes the United States Navy, ready to navigate the challenges of the 21st century.

Relevant articles:
– Tulsan to lead USS Oklahoma commissioning committee, Tulsa World
– Navy nuclear submarine to be named U.S.S. Oklahoma, Broken Arrow Sentinel
– Ceremony marks milestone in journey of USS Oklahoma submarine, The Journal Record
– Nuclear submarine USS Oklahoma City to be decommissioned, The Journal Record