USS Oklahoma (SSN-802)

USS Oklahoma (SSN-802) is a *Virginia*-class attack submarine currently under construction for the United States Navy. As a member of the Block V variant, it incorporates significant design enhancements, including the Virginia Payload Module for increased strike capacity. Upon completion, it will serve as a key component of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, contributing to undersea warfare and strategic deterrence missions in the Indo-Pacific.

Design and construction

The vessel is a Block V submarine of the *Virginia*-class, constructed by General Dynamics Electric Boat at its facility in Groton, Connecticut. A primary feature of this block is the integration of the Virginia Payload Module, which adds four large-diameter payload tubes amidships, significantly increasing its capacity for Tomahawk cruise missiles and other unmanned systems. This design evolution, managed by the Naval Sea Systems Command, addresses requirements set forth by the United States Department of Defense and Congress to maintain undersea warfare superiority. The construction follows the National Sea-Based Deterrence Fund acquisition strategy, intended to improve shipbuilding efficiency and cost control for the United States Navy.

Naming and namesake

Secretary of the Navy Kenneth Braithwaite announced the naming of SSN-802 for the state of Oklahoma during a ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City in 2020. This name continues a lineage of U.S. Navy warships honoring the state, most notably the USS *Oklahoma* (BB-37), a *Nevada*-class battleship lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The naming also honors the citizens of Oklahoma and their enduring support for the armed forces, with many service members hailing from installations like Tinker Air Force Base and Fort Sill. The announcement was attended by officials including Governor Kevin Stitt and Senator James Lankford.

Operational history

As of 2024, USS *Oklahoma* (SSN-802) is in the early stages of construction and has not yet been laid down, commissioned, or deployed. Upon future delivery to the United States Navy, it is scheduled to be assigned to the United States Pacific Fleet. Its anticipated operational duties will include intelligence collection, special operations forces support, and anti-submarine warfare as part of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command task forces. The submarine will operate alongside assets like the USS *Ronald Reagan* carrier strike group and P-8 Poseidon aircraft from Naval Air Station Jacksonville.

Commanding officers

The prospective commanding officer for USS *Oklahoma* (SSN-802) has not yet been publicly assigned by the United States Navy. Command will typically be given to a senior U.S. Naval Academy or NROTC graduate who has completed Naval Submarine School training and previously served as executive officer on a *Los Angeles*-class or *Virginia*-class submarine. The selection process is overseen by the Chief of Naval Personnel and the Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Previous commanding officers of the namesake USS Oklahoma (BB-37) included Captain Howard D. Bode during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Awards and recognition

While not yet in service and thus ineligible for operational awards, the future USS *Oklahoma* (SSN-802) is recognized as a critical asset in the National Defense Strategy. The program has received commendations from entities like the Government Accountability Office for advancements in submarine technology. The ship's sponsor, who will preside over the commissioning ceremony, has not yet been named. Upon entering service, the submarine and its crew will become eligible for unit awards such as the Navy Unit Commendation and Meritorious Unit Commendation, as well as campaign medals like the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.

Category:Virginia-class submarines Category:Submarines of the United States Category:Ships built in Connecticut Category:Oklahoma