Navy honors Atlanta with new Virginia-class submarine named after the city
In a fitting tribute to both history and honor, Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro has announced the naming of a new Virginia-class submarine after the city of Atlanta. Although Atlanta is miles from the ocean, the vessel will bear the city's name as part of the Navy's tradition of recognizing U.S. cities. This new USS Atlanta will become the latest in a line of vessels that have proudly carried the name since the Civil War, embodying Atlanta’s rich legacy and contributions to the United States.
A Tradition of Honor: The Legacy of USS Atlanta
This newly announced USS Atlanta marks the fifth Navy vessel to bear the name of Georgia’s largest city. The original USS Atlanta was a Confederate ironclad, which the Union captured and converted during the Civil War. Each subsequent vessel named Atlanta has carried its own historical significance, the last being a Los Angeles-class nuclear attack submarine that served from 1982 until 1999. The current naming represents a 25-year gap since a vessel last bore the city’s name, reconnecting the Navy and the city through a shared legacy.
“It has been 25 years since the Navy has had a ship named after the proud legacy of the city of Atlanta,” remarked Del Toro during his announcement at the Carter Center in Atlanta. This gesture serves as a recognition of the city’s historical importance and the contributions of Atlantans who have served the United States across military, civil, and political sectors.
Details of the Virginia-Class Attack Submarine
The new Atlanta is slated to be a Virginia-class submarine, a designation given to a sophisticated line of nuclear-powered attack submarines. Virginia-class submarines are among the most advanced in the world, designed for a broad range of missions, from surveillance and reconnaissance to carrying out special operations. Equipped with state-of-the-art stealth technology, these submarines are built for agility and survivability in various theaters of conflict, ensuring they can execute their missions even in the most challenging circumstances.
While specific details regarding the construction timeline and total cost of the new USS Atlanta remain undisclosed, the Navy took a significant first step in August, awarding a $1.3 billion contract to General Dynamics Electric Boat shipyard in Groton, Connecticut. The funds from this contract will go toward acquiring essential materials for this and other Virginia-class submarines in the fleet’s future.
A Proud Connection to President Jimmy Carter
The announcement took on additional significance as it coincided with the 100th birthday of former President Jimmy Carter, who is closely connected to the Navy's submarine service. As the only U.S. president who served as a nuclear submariner, Carter’s legacy is already celebrated in the form of the Seawolf-class submarine USS Jimmy Carter, commissioned in 2005. Del Toro honored the former president’s contributions and long-standing connection to the Navy, a testament to the service and dedication that Atlanta has come to symbolize in the Navy’s history.
A Community Emblem: The Role of Ship’s Sponsor Keisha Lance Bottoms
Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who has also served in the Biden administration, was announced as the ship’s official sponsor. As ship sponsor, Bottoms will play an important role in representing the vessel, embodying the spirit of the city, and connecting the Atlanta community with the sailors who will serve aboard the submarine. During ceremonial events, she will stand as a symbolic link between the city and the Navy.
“And wherever she sails, she will represent not only the legacy of the proud ships who bore the name USS Atlanta before her, but also the thousands of Atlantans who have honorably and faithfully served the United States in uniform, as civil servants, and as activists to better our great nation,” Del Toro emphasized.
The new USS Atlanta will bring with it not only a sophisticated set of capabilities but also a rich tapestry of history and legacy, carrying forth the stories of past ships that bore the name and the memories of Atlantans who have served.
