USS Iowa Submarine to Be Commissioned This Weekend in Connecticut

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – The U.S. Navy will commission its newest Virginia-class submarine, the USS Iowa (SSN 797), on Saturday, April 5, 2025, during a ceremony at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut. The event is expected to draw around 2,000 attendees, including representatives from Iowa.

Retired Capt. Doug MacCrea, chair of the USS Iowa Commissioning Committee, expressed enthusiasm for the event. “We are happy to support these watch parties to bring the commissioning experience to our home state,” he said, noting that local organizations are working to ensure all Iowans can partake in this significant ceremony from afar.

To facilitate this connection, several watch parties will be held across Iowa, with VFW Post 1977 in Decorah hosting one of the events. Coffee and pastries will be served to attendees, starting at 6:30 a.m. and the watch party will commence at 8:30 a.m. MacCrea emphasized the importance of this tradition. “It is a great tradition and very moving,” he stated.

The USS Iowa’s commissioning marks the official entry of the submarine into active service with the U.S. Navy. This will be the fourth ship to carry the name “Iowa,” following the historic USS Iowa (BB-61) battleship, which served in both World War II and the Korean War.

Former Iowa First Lady Christie Vilsack will also be in attendance as the ship’s sponsor. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds is scheduled to deliver the keynote address during the commissioning on Saturday.

In addition to the festivities in Connecticut, local veterans and communities across Iowa are gearing up to witness the commissioning either in person or through organized watch parties in various cities, including Ames, Dubuque, Sioux City, and Waterloo.

Historically, submarines play a critical role in maritime security. They are used for intelligence gathering, special operations, and deterrence strategies. Service members and veterans, including Glenn Larson and Doug Smith from Decorah, reflect on their experiences serving on submarines and highlight the importance of these vessels in national defense.

“During the Cold War, submarines were essential in keeping the peace,” Smith remarked. “They were part of a deterrent strategy to ensure our safety.”

The USS Iowa will become part of a fleet that underscores the necessity of modern naval strategies against global threats, particularly as tensions rise with nations like China.

Iowa residents are encouraged to participate in the watch parties in order to celebrate this historic moment, further uniting the state with its latest naval legacy.

For more information about the USS Iowa and the commissioning plans, visit the official website.