(Groton, CT) – The U-S Navy’s latest submarine was commissioned this (Saturday) morning, at the Naval Submarine Base in Groton, CT. The U.S.S. Iowa, SSN 797 ceremony was attended by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Representative Marianette Miller-Meeks, former Iowa First Lady Christie Vilsack, and other dignitaries. Mrs. Vilsack sponsored the sub, which is the first  fast attack submarine specifically designed & built to provide the privacy and accommodations females require as they serve with their male counter parts on-board the ship. Women began serving on submarines in 2010.

You can watch the entire ceremony HERE.

Governor Reynolds spoke prior to the boat commissioning pennant being raised, and the Captain officially assuming command.

It was a cold and windy day in Groton, but that didn’t stop the ship’s crew, past and present members of the Navy, including some who served on the Battleship U.S.S. Iowa (BB-61), from attending the commissioning. The submarine’s namesake is a floating museum at the Port of Los Angeles, in California, with a distinguished history of service.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds speaks during the USS Iowa (SSN 797) Commissioning Ceremony (4/5/2025)

The 79th United States Secretary of the Navy, John Phelan, who serves the Trump Administration, gave the order to commission the Virginia-Class Sub.

The Sub’s Commander, Gregory M. Coy, read his orders to assume command of the boat.

SSN 797 is known by the motto “Fear the Ghost,” which is a play off the nickname the Battleship Iowa earned, “The Grey Ghost.” The $3-billion dollar submarine has a crew of 120 enlisted personnel and 14 officers. The nuclear-powered Iowa is 377-feet long and was delivered to the U.S. Navy in late December, 2024.

USS Iowa (SSN 797) was commissioned 4-5-2025 in Groton, CT.

It’s missions may take it virtually anyplace in the world.