KDSN RADIO News
U.S. Navy commissions USS Iowa submarine
Another USS Iowa has joined the U.S. Navy’s fleet.
The nuclear-powered submarine is the fourth Navy vessel to bear the USS Iowa name, and it was commissioned this weekend at a ceremony in Connecticut, where it was built. Former Iowa First Lady Christie Vilsack was selected to give the crew the traditional order to man the ship. She has a family connection to the USS Iowa battleship, which was launched at the beginning of World War II.
“My dad…a naval aviator who escorted the U.S.S. Iowa battleship with the President of the United States aboard, he would be very proud that I am here today honoring the Navy and the State of Iowa,” Vilsack said.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, who spoke at the commissioning, said the USS Iowa is part of a proud tradition.
“As an Iowan, it’s powerful to stand here with this cutting edge Virginia class submarine behind me as it prepares to begin its decades of service bearing the iconic name U.S.S. Iowa,” Reynolds said. “…This vessel embodies American ingenuity, industrial might which have been so frequently been the means of winning wars, preserving peace, and defending freedom throughout the world.”
Admiral Daryl Caudle, the commander of the U.S. Navy Fleet, said it feels natural to have a warship named Iowa back on the Navy register.
“During World War II, the sight of the U.S.S. Iowa looming high on the horizon intimidated our enemies and rightly so,” he said.”Now our adversaries will fear the ghost because they cannot see Iowa, always aware she is out there roaming the seas and stalking her prey.”
The USS Iowa ia equipped with stealth technology to obscure it from radar and sonar — and the submarine’s motto is “fear the ghost.” It can carry up to 135 officers and enlisted sailors.
