February 4, 2019 – USS South Dakota (SSN 790) Commissioned

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With the resounding command “Man our ship and bring her to life!” from ship sponsor Deanie Dempsey, USS South Dakota became the newest and 17th Virginia-class fast-attack submarine in the U.S. Navy during her commissioning ceremony at Naval Submarine Base New London on February 2, 2019. The South Dakota is the first in the Virginia Class to be fitted with acoustic superiority improvements which enhance her ability to collect intelligence and detect threats.

“South Dakota will travel the world’s oceans undetected, collecting information, preparing for battle and if necessary, striking from the deep swiftly and without warning to answer the nation’s call,” said Vice Adm. Charles A. Richard.

Along with being the most modern attack submarine in the world, South Dakota can claim another first.

“The rise of the millennial generation emerging to lead EB’s important work for the country, I believe, is a powerful rebuttal of cynics and naysayers that say that American manufacturing and technological excellence are a thing of the past,” said U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District. And, according to South Dakota’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Craig E. Litty, about 65 percent of the boat’s sailors have never served on a submarine before.

“I think we can honestly call South Dakota America’s first millennial submarine, from construction to operation,” Courtney said.


The crew of USS South Dakota (SSN 790) stands assembled after “bringing the ship to life” and assuming duty during the boat’s commissioning ceremony at Naval Submarine Base New London, Feb. 2, 2019 (U.S. Navy photo).

EB President Jeff Geiger acknowledged the contributions of Commander Craig Litty and his crew. “I had the privilege to ride with the crew the very first time they took the South Dakota to sea,” said Geiger. “As a shipbuilder, it is awe-inspiring to see our complex machine brought to life and gratifying to see her expertly handled by a dedicated and confident crew. We wish Commander Litty and the crew a safe and distinguished tour of duty. May the USS South Dakota serve you and our nation long and well.”

Construction on South Dakota began in 2013; the submarine’s keel was authenticated during a ceremony on April 4, 2016; and the submarine was christened on Oct. 14, 2017.


Richard Hackley, a veteran who served aboard the battleship USS South Dakota (BB 57), passes the long glass to Lt. Benjamin McFarland, the first officer of the deck to stand duty aboard the submarine South Dakota , the third ship named for the State of South Dakota. (U.S. Navy photo).

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