USS Norfolk (SSN-815)

For other ships with the same name, see USS Norfolk.

USS Norfolk (SSN-815)

The lead boat of the Virginia class, USS Virginia (SSN-774)
History
United States
Name	Norfolk
Namesake	Norfolk, Virginia
Ordered	TBD
Identification	Pennant number:SSN-815
General characteristics
Class & type	Virginia-class submarine
Displacement	10,200  tons
Length	460 ft (140 m)
Beam	34 ft (10.4 m)
Draft	32 ft (9.8 m)
Propulsion	S9G reactor, auxiliary diesel engine
Speed	25 knots (46 km/h)
Endurance	can remain submerged for more than 3 months
Test depth	greater than 800 ft (244 m)
Complement	15 officers 120 enlisted crew
Armament	40 VLS tubes four 21 inch (530 mm) torpedo tubes for Mk-48 torpedoes or BGM-109 Tomahawk

USS Norfolk (SSN-815) will be a nuclear-powered Virginia-class submarine of the United States Navy, the second Block VI attack submarines and 42nd overall of her class. She will be the fourth US Navy ship to bear the name Norfolk, the name previously belonged to a Los Angeles-class submarine. ^{[1] [2] [3]}

Uniquely, Norfolk was not ordered prior to her naming due to a dispute between the Navy and builder Huntington Ingalls Industries over the potential cost. ^[4]

Anne Holton, wife of prominent Virginia Senator Tim Kaine, was named as the ship's sponsor. ^[1]

Design

Like their Block V predecessors, Block VI submarines will incorporate previously introduced modifications to the base design in addition to a Virginia Payload Module (VPM). The VPM inserts a segment into the boat's hull which adds four vertical launch tubes. Each tube allows for the carrying of seven Tomahawk strike missiles, increasing her armament to a total of 40 missiles. ^{[5] [6] [7]}

References

1. "Navy names Virginia-class sub after Norfolk". News 3 WTKR Norfolk. 14 January 2025. Retrieved 19 January 2025.
2. "USS Norfolk (SSN 714) history". www.uscarriers.net. Archived from the original on 25 December 2024. Retrieved 19 January 2025.
3. "SECNAV Del Toro Names Future Virginia-class Submarines SSN 814, SSN 815, and SSN 816". United States Navy. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
4. Shelbourne, Mallory (16 January 2025). "SECNAV Del Toro Names Four More Warships at SNA, 16 Ships Named This Month". USNI News. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
5. "Attack Submarines - SSN". United States Navy. Retrieved 9 May 2024.^{[ dead link ]}
6. "Hicks Named Sponsor of Newly Named Nuclear Submarine". U.S. Department of Defense. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
7. LaGrone, Sam (6 August 2024). "Navy Awards $1.3B Long-Lead Contract for Virginia Block VI Boats Ahead of Anticipated Multi-Year Contract". USNI News. Retrieved 18 January 2025.