Jason Ward, Newport News Shipbuilding vice president of new construction submarine programmes, said the milestone reflects progress across the programme. “Achieving pressure hull complete on Oklahoma highlights our commitment to accelerating production and delivering unmatched capability to our Navy customer,” he said, adding, “Our dedicated shipbuilders, Navy teammates and suppliers from across the country, are working hand-in-hand to bring Oklahoma to life.”
Oklahoma is the 29th Virginia-class fast attack submarine and the first of the Block V boats. It is also the 14th Virginia-class submarine to be delivered by Newport News Shipbuilding.
The ship’s sponsor is Mary “Molly” Slavonic, a native of Oklahoma with long-standing ties to both the state and the US Navy. She worked with her husband, former acting Under Secretary of the Navy Greg Slavonic, on the USS Oklahoma (BB 37) Memorial in Pearl Harbor, which honours the 429 sailors and Marines killed during the attack on 7 December 1941.
Newport News Shipbuilding designs and builds nuclear-powered submarines for the US Navy. Virginia-class submarines provide advanced capabilities that enhance firepower, manoeuvrability and stealth.
