Rep. Courtney Applauds Delivery of Future USS IOWA
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) issued the following statement after General Dynamics Electric Boat delivered the future USS IOWA (SSN 797), the 24th Virginia class boat, to the U.S. Navy on Wednesday.
“The delivery of the future USS IOWA marks the 24th boat delivered in the Virginia class program and the second boat delivered in 2024. Next year, the Navy will take delivery of the USS MASSACHUSETTS and IDAHO, the 25th and 26th boats in the class. Despite the nationwide manufacturing slowdown caused by COVID, the delivery of IOWA and the rising production cadence are promising signs of the industry's recovery. This momentum will be supported by the seapower provisions in the annual defense bill that will soon be signed into law and rejects the Navy’s inadequate budget request by authorizing a second Virginia submarine, growing the supply chain, and boosting the wages of frontline shipyard workers, a critical step to increase recruitment and retention among the metal trades workforce.
“Fair winds and following seas to the crew, and kudos to the outstanding shipbuilders who worked with great patriotism and skill to deliver the IOWA.”