Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced on May 24 that the Navy's SSN 796, a Virginia-class attack submarine, will bear the title USS New Jersey. According to the Department of Defense, the name will honor the long history between the Navy and the state of New Jersey.
"New Jersey's relationship with our Navy has been defined by innovation, leadership, and courage – in conquest and in combat," Mabus said. "The name of our newest nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine will carry on that strong tradition."
New Jersey's ties to the Navy began in 1900 when the Navy's first submarine, the USS Holland, was designed and constructed in the state, the Department of Defense reported.
Whether in a submarine or firmly on land, members of the military appreciate care packages sent from home.
The submarine will be the third vessel to bear the name USS New Jersey, but the only one that is still active. The first two were battleships commissioned in the first half of the 20th century.
During a radio segment on New Jersey 101.5, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie stated that he would "absolutely" push for the commissioning of the new sub to occur in its namesake state.
"From my perspective, having that submarine commissioned in the waters of the state that it is named for would be a great thing," Christie said.
According to the Department of Defense, the USS New Jersey will be a next-generation attack submarine. Each Virginia-class submarine is designed with a reactor plant that allows the sub to complete its planned lifetime without refueling. They are 377 feet long, weigh 7,800 tons and have increased stealth and accuracy.