The U.S. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro announced that a nuclear attack submarine will be built and named the USS Atlanta, despite the city being far from the ocean. The construction timeline, cost, and service entry date for the submarine have not been disclosed yet. The Navy awarded a $1.3 billion contract to General Dynamics Electric Boat shipyard in Groton, Connecticut, to start acquiring materials for this submarine and other future submarines. Recent submarines in the Navy’s Virginia class have been named after cities like Baltimore, San Francisco, and Miami, and the USS Atlanta will be the fifth vessel named after Georgia’s largest city.
Del Toro highlighted that it has been 25 years since the Navy had a ship named after Atlanta’s legacy and praised the naval submarine service of former President Jimmy Carter, who just celebrated his 100th birthday. Carter, a nuclear submariner, already has a Seawolf-class submarine named after him, the USS Jimmy Carter, which was commissioned in 2005. Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who also serves in President Joe Biden’s administration, will sponsor the USS Atlanta. Del Toro emphasized that the submarine will represent the legacy of previous USS Atlanta ships and the thousands of Atlantans who have served the United States in various capacities.
The USS Atlanta will honor and represent the proud legacy of the city of Atlanta, as stated by Del Toro in a speech at the Carter Center in Atlanta. The previous ship named USS Atlanta was a Confederate ironclad captured in 1863 and converted to Union service during the Civil War. The most recent USS Atlanta was a Los Angeles-class nuclear attack submarine that served from 1982 to 1999. While the specifics about the new USS Atlanta are not yet known, the announcement marks a significant moment for the city and its naval history.
The naming of the USS Atlanta comes as part of the Navy’s tradition of naming submarines after cities and states. The addition of Atlanta to this list signifies the city’s importance and recognition within the U.S. Navy. The sponsorship of the ship by former Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms further solidifies the connection between Atlanta and the new submarine. The USS Atlanta will join a prestigious group of vessels that have served in the Navy, showcasing the city’s contributions to the nation’s defense and security.
The construction of the USS Atlanta represents a significant investment by the Navy in its submarine fleet. The $1.3 billion contract awarded to General Dynamics Electric Boat shipyard demonstrates the commitment to modernizing and expanding the fleet to meet evolving security challenges. The Navy’s focus on building new submarines, including the USS Atlanta, highlights the importance of maintaining a strong maritime presence to protect national interests. The submarine will play a crucial role in defending the country’s maritime borders and ensuring security in the years to come.
Overall, the announcement of the USS Atlanta marks a historic moment for the city and its relationship with the U.S. Navy. The naming of the submarine after Atlanta recognizes the city’s legacy and contributions to the nation. With former Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms as the ship’s sponsor, the USS Atlanta will serve as a symbol of Atlanta’s pride and commitment to service. As the construction of the submarine progresses, the city can look forward to seeing its name carried on the high seas, representing a new chapter in Atlanta’s naval history.
