USS Indiana Nuclear-Powered Fast Attack Submarine to be Commissioned at Port Canaveral

SOURCE: SPACE DAILY

The U.S. Navy has announced that Port Canaveral will be the venue for the commissioning of the USS Indiana, a Virginia-class nuclear-powered fast attack submarine. The commissioning date is yet to be announced, but it is projected to happen by early September.

Port Canaveral was selected over Norfolk, Virginia and Groton, Connecticut to host the commissioning of the 16th vessel of her class, and sixth of the significantly redesigned Block III, including a revised bow and VLS technology from the Ohio-class of guided missile submarines.

This next-generation attack submarine will provide the Navy with the capabilities required to maintain the nation’s undersea supremacy well into the 21st century.

Virginia-class submarines will have enhanced stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities, and special warfare enhancements that will enable them to meet the Navy’s multi-mission requirements.

“The commissioning of the USS Indian is going to be an outstanding event for Port Canaveral,” said Canaveral Port Authority Chairman, and retired U.S. Coast Guard Admiral Wayne Justice.

No stranger to submarine traffic, the U.S. Navy completed the Trident Submarine Basin at Port Canaveral in the late 1970s and has played host to U.S. and British subs over the years.

The USS Indiana was constructed by Huntington Ingalls Industries in partnership with the Electric Boat division of General Dynamics in Newport News, Virginia, with the initial contract awarded on 22 December 2008.

Her keel was laid in May 2015, launched on June 9, 2017, and was christened during a ceremony held with Vice President Mike Pence in attendance at the shipyard of Huntington Ingalls Newport News, Virginia.

“This submarine is the most advanced to ever serve America,” said Vice President Pence. “The steel within her skeleton — all 7,600 tons — and the steel in the hearts of her crew form the unbreakable, unshakeable backbone of American freedom.

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